“By sending a couple of men whom I can trust, to find out.”
The captain rubbed his ear and stood looking at the planter thoughtfully, and then turning to the first lieutenant, he took his arm and led him right aft, speaking to him hurriedly for a few minutes before they returned to where the doctor stood evidently looking upon their visitor in the light of a new patient.
“Now, Mr—Mr Allen,” said the captain sharply, “I have been consulting my chief officer, and he agrees with me that it will be wise to accept your offer; so tell me what you propose first.”
“To return to my little house.”
“How can that help us?” exclaimed Mr Anderson sharply. “How are we to communicate with you right away in that swampy forest?”
“You misunderstand me,” said the planter. “I mean I shall return to the place I have by the side of the bay here;” and he pointed across the water.
“I do not see where you mean.”
“Not from here. It is up one of the little rivers quite hidden amongst the trees.”
“Everything seems to be hidden amongst the trees,” said the lieutenant.
“Exactly,” replied the planter, smiling; “that is what I wish you to understand. You must trust me, sir.”