“A volley of two, Mr Roberts,” said the lieutenant sarcastically, “and a waste of ammunition that we must husband.”
“Beg pardon, sir; only what I thought,” said the middy.
“Quite right to speak, my lad; but tell me, can you make out what our pursuers are like?”
“Mixed lot, sir. They seem to be sailors and blacks.”
“Humph! Well, we are pretty well surrounded. I don’t like these cowardly-looking tactics, but I must get back to Mr Murray and the boat. We are gaining a knowledge of the country, and when we come again it must be in force. Much farther, May?” said the lieutenant, after pressing on to the front to where the big sailor was trudging steadily on.
“’Bout two hours, sir,” replied the man.
“Two hours? Surely not!”
“Yes, sir; quite that.”
“Are you certain? Surely you have not lost your way?”
“Not this time, sir,” replied the man confidently. “It’s much further than you thought.”