"Don't say that, Mr. Kenyon," whispered Phra; "it is so terrible."
"Yes, my boy, I know it; but be a man. It is evident that your father and his friends have beaten the enemy off again."
"Or been killed," said Phra bitterly.
"Oh no, my lad; if the enemy had won, there would have been a burst of shouting, and—"
Mr. Kenyon paused, unwilling to proceed.
"I know what you were going to say, Mr. Kenyon; they would have set fire to the palace."
"Yes; they would have tried to burn the place," said Mr. Kenyon hurriedly. "Hist! a boat is coming."
All crouched down lower in the bottom and waited, for there was the splash of oars and the murmur of many voices, suggesting that the boat must be large; and in a short time they could see that it was one of the biggest barges, propelled by many oars, while as the covered-in part loomed up before them in the darkness while passing, the rapid chatter told that it was crammed with men.
There was little fear of their being noticed, as the boat lay close up under the bank, its occupants sitting so low that they were pretty well hidden by the side; but Harry held his breath, for he felt assured that these were fighting men on their way to join in the attack upon the palace. But his anticipation of a shower of spears was not realized, and the great barge, probably one of the king's, passed by without noticing them.
As soon as the vessel was out of hearing, Harry whispered,—