The time had passed so rapidly that it was hard to believe two days had slipped away before everything could be declared to be in readiness. But on the second evening nothing more seemed needed, and it was felt that they might start at daylight the next morning.
For the crew was on board to protect the stores and other things; even the stone, barrel-shaped filter fitted in a basket cover—a clumsy, awkward thing which the doctor declared to be absolutely necessary—was on board.
Harry had exclaimed against its being taken, and the doctor heard him.
"Look here, young fellow," he said, "do you know what I am going up the river for?"
"A holiday, of course," replied Harry.
"Exactly. Then do you suppose I want my holiday spoiled by being called upon to attend people who are ill through drinking unwholesome water?"
"Of course not, sir; but would any one be ill?"
"Every one would," said the doctor angrily.
Harry thought this was a sweeping assertion, but he said nothing, and the filter was placed astern.
"I wish some one would knock it over," Harry whispered to Phra. "It would go to the bottom like a stone."