“Three against me, eh? What are we to do, then; stay in this wretched state of uncertainty, unable to stir a yard from the brig?”
“No,” said Drew. “I shall go. I’ll take Smith and Wriggs. I’m used to those two men, and they’re used to me. I’ll start before daylight.”
“That’s good,” cried his friends.
“Yes,” said Mr Rimmer, “that’s good, and I’ll agree that it is the best thing that can be done. But you’ll have to be very careful, sir, and at the least sign of danger begin to retreat. Look here, take this old boatswain’s whistle, and if you are pressed in any way, blow it as soon as you are near the brig, and we’ll turn out and come to your help.”
“Thank you, Mr Rimmer,” said Drew, cheerfully, “but I hope I shall not have to use it.”
A good breakfast was ready a couple of hours before daylight, and Mr Rimmer himself called Drew up, doing everything he could to further his object, even to taking four men well armed and making a long circuit of the brig, while Drew and his two companions were partaking of a hearty meal to fit them for their task.
“Can’t see any enemy, sir,” Mr Rimmer said as he came back and found Drew waiting impatiently. “That’s right, sir, make straight for the shore, and I’d go first and see whether the boat’s safe before hunting to the south for the niggers’ canoe. I’d keep in the cocoa-nut grove all the way. It will shelter you all, and you’ll be able to see well enough whether there’s anyone in the lagoon, for that’s where their canoes are sure to be.”
“Then you think there’s more than one?” said Oliver.
“Oh, yes, sir, I should say there are two at least. Those big outriggers that hold forty or fifty men each. There, Mr Drew, off with you, please, and don’t get to fighting except as a last resource—so as to escape. I won’t come with you part of the way, it’s better that you should be off alone. You two lads,” he continued as they reached the deck, and turned to Smith and Wriggs who were standing in the darkness very proud of the rifles with which they had been armed, “I look to you to bring Mr Drew back safely.”
“Ay, ay, sir, we mean that,” said Smith. “Eh, Billy?”