“Pahan thinks that we may risk floating down the river now. The excitement of the fire will be pretty well over when we get abreast of the bungalow, and we have a long journey yet; and then if he makes the boat fast, as he says he can, at the foot of the garden, he thinks no one will notice it. But we shall have to lie hidden, and, if necessary, covered up with the boughs.”
The covering over with boughs fell to the share of the two lads, the shelter of the attap mats and her Malay dress seeming likely to be sufficient for Minnie’s protection if they neared any Malay boat, that most dreaded being the naga whose occupants had been put to flight—though even if that were encountered, the sampan was now so transformed that it was not likely to be recognised; and once more the little party were in motion, floating down towards the station, the Malay poling the boat and keeping as near as possible to the farther shore.
Chapter Forty Five.
“Close up!”
“Don’t you think we might make a bigger peep-hole, Mister Archie?” whispered Peter.
“No,” was the abrupt reply.
“All right, sir; you know best; only it is precious smothery. I’m as hot as hot.”
“Can’t help it, Pete. We must bear it, and above all now that we are getting so near.”