Having landed the quick-firers and torpedo-tubes, the crew of the Pelikan proceeded to increase the disguise of the ship. She was now a regular floating palm forest. So thick was the foliage brought on board and secured to the masts and upper works that sun-awnings were unnecessary. Even an observer in a seaplane, unless he were prepared for such a disguise, would fail to distinguish the raider in her garb of verdure.
"How do you feel for another jaunt ashore?" asked Denbigh.
"I can't say I am particularly keen on another swim," replied O'Hara. "Otherwise I've no objection to studying the fauna and flora of this delectable land. But what's the object?"
"It's about time we bade farewell to the Pelikan" replied Denbigh. "It's four days since that little affair with the destroyers, and our cruisers have apparently made no attempt to get even with von Riesser and his motley crowd. I'm rather curious to know what's doing?"
"I can't see how going ashore will help," objected the Irishman.
"It will if we get to the mouth of the river. If the cruisers are in the lagoon, well and good."
"And if not?"
"Then we'll have to exist as best we can till they do arrive."
"H'm," muttered O'Hara. "And the other fellows—Pennington and Armstrong?"
"We'll ask them to join our merry throng," answered Denbigh. "The more the better, once we get clear of the ship."