Chapter Fifty Three.
Private Sim is very Wide Awake.
Lieutenant Johnson had said that in all probability Ali had been killed, this being of course his surmise, for he had no real reason for such an assertion. He was quite right, though, about having been tricked, for one of Rajah Gantang’s cleverest spies after hearing from his hiding-place the plans that had been made, assumed the part of Ali in disguise, and passed unchallenged by the sentries to go straight to the rajah and plan with him a way to divide the forces by sending the steamer upon a false scent.
This had been done, with the success that has been seen. But though the little garrison was awakened to a sense of its danger very soon after the steamer had taken its departure, it did not realise the fact that they had all been deceived.
All the requisite precautions had been taken, and saving the guard, the little garrison had lain down to sleep, according to Captain Smithers’ instructions, for he had addressed them before they were dismissed.
“There may be no danger,” he had said, “but we must be on the alert, so let every man lie down in his clothes, with his arms close at hand. Sergeant Lund, see that the men’s pouches are supplied with cartridges. To-morrow, my lads, I hope to see the steamer back, with our rescued friends!”
The men gave a cheer and departed. The guard was relieved, and Captain Smithers stood talking to Tom Long.
“My dear lad,” said the former, “there is not the slightest need for any such proceeding. Go and lie down. I shall visit the sentries for the first half of the night, and I will call you about three.”