“Is it likely?” was the reply; “and if I did know do you suppose that I would tell you?”
“No, sir, of course not. But it’s going to be something desperate, sir, because we have got to take all our tools.”
“Ah, you’ll see soon enough,” said the boy, and full of the importance of being one in some expedition that was to break the monotony of the everyday routine, as well as to avoid further questioning, and any approach to familiarity on the part of the men, Fitz continued his walk, to come in contact directly after with another superior officer in the shape of the lieutenant.
“Hullo, Mr Burnett! So you are to go with us to-night, I hear.”
“Yes, sir,” cried the boy eagerly. “Would you mind telling me what we are going to do?”
“Then you don’t know?”
“No, sir.”
“Then why did you ask the captain to let you go?”
“I wanted to be there, sir. Armed boat’s crew going off! It sounded so exciting.”
“I don’t think that you will find much excitement, Mr Burnett; but wait and see. If you want more information I must refer you to the captain.”