They proved to be quite correct, for there was just room for the boat to glide in between the bamboo posts; and as to height, the occupants were able to keep upon their seats with a few inches above their heads between them and the joists which supported the bamboo floor.
"Ah!" said Phra between his teeth; "we shall be in hiding here."
"Yes," whispered Harry; "but I don't think we shall be safe."
"I don't know," said his father; "an open hiding-place is often the most secure."
CHAPTER XXII
DARING PLANS
The tide rose but a trifle higher, so that there was no imprisonment such as had been suggested, and the boatmen, after a modest meal of rice, calmly settled themselves down to sleep.
But, like his employers, Sree was wakeful, and sat near, ready to answer questions or offer advice.
He said that he believed they might stay where they were, unquestioned, for days; and as for provisions, it would be easy for him or one of his men to go here or there about the place and buy food.
These minor questions were soon disposed of. The main topic—how to rescue the King and their friends—then took up all their thought and kept them watching and waking hour after hour, a certain equality now seeming to reign, and the boys' suggestions being listened to eagerly by their elders.