But other work was imminent. Every minute Kapitan von Riesser and the remainder of the Pelikan's crew were increasing the distance between them and their foes. Without delay steps had to be taken to bring the treacherous Germans to bay.
CHAPTER XXIV
The Landing-Party
No one could accuse Captain Holloway of tardiness. He had the reputation of being an alert and promising officer, and on this occasion he excelled himself. Within an hour after sunrise the landing-party from the flotilla was on its way to tackle the remnants of the Pelikan's crew; for almost as soon as the raider had been swept out of existence the British senior officer was drawing up his orders that the unexpected turn of events had necessitated.
Towed by the two steamboats of the Simplicita, four cutters from the Paradox, Eureka, and the seaplane parent ship set off up the river. Into the boats were packed one hundred and twenty officers and men drawn from each vessel of the little squadron. Each boat carried a quick-firer in the bows and a Maxim, in addition to stores sufficient to last a week or ten days.
The expedition was under the orders of Lieutenant-commander Bourne, while amongst the officers was Sub-lieutenant Frank Denbigh, with Armstrong in charge of stores. Much to his disgust Pat O'Hara found himself "turned down" by the Principal Medical Officer; the former's assurances that his ankle would improve with a little exercise being brushed aside by the latter, who knew perfectly well that days would elapse before the Irishman could set foot upon the Crustacean's deck, let alone the crowded stern-sheets of an armed cutter.
Before the boats were out of sight of the still stranded Crustacean two sea-planes ascended and flew swiftly inland. Without their aid the landing-party would be literally groping for their foes, since it was not known whether von Riesser and his men had taken to their boats or had set out through the mangroves towards the grass-grown hinterland.
Denbigh having more knowledge of the Mohoro River than any of the other officers—and his knowledge was limited to a stretch of less than ten miles—was navigating officer in charge of the leading steamboat.
While the other officers were sweeping the mudflat fringed banks with their glasses Denbigh directed his attention towards the turgid channel.