"To be killed at once," said Sree. "No, we will not let our Prince land now. Sahibs, I am like the rest of the people, and I can go ashore without being stopped. You must trust to me to go first and bring news."
"I cannot wait; it is impossible," said the doctor.
"I must go and find what has happened to my father." cried Phra.
And all the time the boat was being urged steadily on by the rowers, nearer and nearer to the river town; but so far there was nothing to suggest danger, for the customary sounds arose like a low murmur from the distance, and a faint glow hung above the river—the reflection from the paper lanthorns hanging from the boats.
"All seems to be unchanged," said Mr. Kenyon, breaking a long pause.
"Yes; it may be a false alarm," said the doctor. "Tell your men to row faster, Sree, and to stop at the first landing-place beyond the palace."
"The Sahib doctor does not see," replied the old hunter. "Something must have happened. Where are the lights?"
"Yonder," said the doctor, pointing to the reflection.
"Oh, Sahib, those are as nothing," said the old man. "And we can hardly hear the city breathe. We are close there, and we see that faint light and hear that little buzz of voices. It's more like a few insects. When I have come out of the jungle far away, it has been more bright than that and twice as loud. Will the Sahib tell his friend the doctor he must stay and I must go and see?"
"Yes, Cameron, Sree is right," said Mr. Kenyon. "Let him go first."