“I want two boats,” he said. “I am going to take yours, of course. But one of my difficulties is, who is to take charge of the expedition?”
Archie started, and his lips parted to speak.
“I shall take charge of it,” said the Resident.
“Very well.—You are not fit to go, Maine?” said the Major.
“Oh yes, sir,” cried Archie eagerly.
“No, sir,” cried the Major; and the subaltern’s brow puckered up in his disappointment. “And I can’t spare you,” continued the Major. “But under the circumstances I must, for I can spare no one else. Of course there will be a sergeant and a corporal—and a nice state we shall be left in here!—You, Dallas, take my advice. If you really mean to go, leave all the preparations to the Doctor. But really I think you had better let him go in your place.”
“Yes,” said the Doctor; “and it is my duty to my child.”
Sir Charles made an angry movement, and the Major was about to issue his orders, when he sprang from his seat, for a rifle-shot rang out on the still night.
“What does that mean?” exclaimed Sir Charles.
There was another shot, followed by another and another.