“Yes, sir,” said Bob, “I ought!” And then to himself, “So ought you!”
Another hour and they were passing through a denser part than ever; so close were they that the large drooping boughs of some of the trees cracked and rustled and snapped as they passed by to get to what seemed to be quite a lagoon shining clear and silvery, as seen by those on board the steamer through quite a tunnel of overhanging branches.
“We ought to be able to hear firing by this time if it is going on at the stockade,” said the lieutenant. “What a place to bring Her Majesty’s ship into! If I did not know that those poor fellows were anxiously expecting help, not a fathom further would I take the steamer than into yon open water to-night! Here! fetch that Malay fellow here, and let’s see if we cannot get something out of him!”
Bob Roberts went forward to where the Malay stood leaning over the bulwarks gazing at the trees on either side—at least he went to where the Malay did stand gazing at the trees, but now to Bob’s astonishment the man was not there!
“Where’s the Malay guide?” he said sharply to Dick, who was nearest to him.
“Well, sir, if you call that there chap a guide,” said Dick, “I’ve done.”
“I say where’s the Malay guide?” said Bob, angrily.
“Haven’t seen him, sir,” said Dick, touching his cap.
“But he was standing here not ten minutes ago, just before we brushed against those trees!” exclaimed the young officer.
“Well yes, sir, I remember as he was,” said old Dick, and several of the sailors were ready to affirm that they saw him not five minutes before.