“Matter?” said the Spaniard wonderingly. “Oh, there’s nothing the matter. I thought I’d tell you that those two men of mine you gave the physic to are quite well again, and don’t want any more. That’s all. Go on shooting the crocodiles. Good-night!”
He gave an order to his men, and the boat’s head was turned, but as soon as they had proceeded a little way back the Spaniard gave another order, and his men checked the boat and kept on gently dipping their oars to keep her in the same place. “Doctor there?” shouted the Spaniard. “Yes.”
“Haven’t thought any more about going up the river, have you?”
There was dead silence for a few moments, and then Uncle Paul said sharply, as if making an effort—
“Yes; I shall start as soon as the tide turns to-morrow morning.”
“Very well,” said the man carelessly. “I will come across with my long-boat and eight of my men. They want a job to keep them awake.”
Then he grumbled out some words in Spanish to those who were with him, while, as if annoyed at what he had heard, Captain Chubb uttered a low growl.
“No, you needn’t do that,” cried Uncle Paul. “Our men would like to go up the river. If you will come across to act as guide I will use my own boat, and take all provisions that are necessary.”
“Very well,” said the Spaniard. “Perhaps that will be best. Your boat’s lighter than mine. Take plenty of powder and shot. Like some of my men to come and help?”
“Oh no; it will not be necessary,” replied the captain.