As far as I could make out I had not been seen, and I had obtained some very valuable information that might be useful for our protection.
When I had reached the spot where I had begun fishing I drew in my capture; but it was not a long eel, but a mass of twined-up, snake-like fish which had wreathed itself into a knot with my line.
To get it free seemed to be impossible, so I cut off the piece of line just above the knot and let it fall into the water to extricate itself, while I went back to the office to have a few words with my uncles about what I had heard.
“I think we are in duty bound to send you home, Cob,” said Uncle Jack, and the others murmured their acquiescence.
“Send me home!” I cried. “What! Just when all the fun is going to begin!”
“Fun!” said Uncle Dick, “Fun that the frogs suffered when the boys stoned them, eh?”
“Oh, but you know what I mean, uncle. I don’t want to go.”
“But we have run you into terrible risks already,” cried Uncle Bob, “and if you were hurt I should feel as if I could never face your father and mother again.”
“Oh, but I sha’n’t be hurt,” I cried. “There, I’m ready for anything, and shall always try to get on the safe side.”
“As you always do,” said Uncle Jack grimly. “No, my boy, you must not stay. It is evident from what you overheard that the men have some design against us on hand. Above all, they have taken a great dislike to you, and in their blind belief that you are one of the causes of their trouble they evidently feel spiteful and will not shrink from doing you harm. And that’s rather a long-winded speech,” he added, smiling.