“Don’t, sir! don’t!” cried Wriggs, in a choking voice.
“Why not?” cried Drew. “What’s the matter with you? Here, try and get up.”
“No, no, sir,” they cried in duet.
“Then, what is it?”
“Niggers, sir,” gasped Smith. “Comin’ ashore!”
“Quick, close under cover!” said Panton, and all crawled under the shade of the nearest tree.
“Now, where are they?” said Panton.
“You can’t see ’em from here, sir, but we saw the whole lot on ’em in two canoes, a comin’ on like steam, and they’ll be here afore many minutes have gone.”
“Quick, then!” cried Panton. “Here, you are best at it, Smith. Hail Mr Lane as loudly as you can.”
The man stared at him.