“Yes. The case is desperate. But, first of all, let’s get on board.”
“No,” said Ned; “you are going to forsake him. I will not go.”
“I give you my word as a gentleman, sir,” said Mr Braine, coldly.
Ned said no more, but acting as guide, led the way down to the boat, where, with Hamet’s help, the ladies, arms, and ammunition were placed on board, and they all followed after, literally rolling Tim in over the side, to lie perfectly helpless at the bottom.
“Safe so far,” said Mr Braine, as they crouched together in the fore-part, while the ladies were under the thatch awning shivering with dread.
“Catch hold, Ned. You too, Hamet,” whispered Frank, who, remembering his own sufferings, thrust some food into the fasting pair’s hands.
“Now,” said Mr Braine, “there is no better plan. About three hundred yards below the big tree, by that cluster of palms.”
“The prahus are near there,” said Frank.
“A full hundred yards lower, boy,” said his father. “You lads will keep the boat while we land.”
“I am coming too,” said Ned.