"With due precautions there is no risk, sir."
"All right, Mr. Tregarthen. Since you are willing I make no objection. Only remember, the men required to guard the prisoners—if we succeed in taking any—must be volunteers, duly warned for the service."
Meanwhile the submarine had been submersed and housed in its accustomed berth; the divers had made rapid progress towards replacing the repaired propeller, and preparations were in hand for the proposed visit to the native village.
At sunrise on the following morning the launch, with the explosive safely stowed on board, lay alongside the cruiser. Captain Brookes signified his intention of heading the landing-party, which consisted of eighty well-armed men.
"I am going to land on the eastern side of the inlet first," said the captain. "I mean to visit the site of the ambuscade. This done, we will cross to the other side and make a survey of the village."
It was some time before the track of the unfortunate expedition could be picked up, since the snow had obliterated the footprints, and none of the survivors were sufficiently recovered to accompany the landing-party.
At length a "blaze" was found, and from that point the direction taken by the former expedition was followed with little trouble.
Although it was practically certain that all the natives who had taken part in the treacherous attack had been completely demoralised, Captain Brookes took no risks. Advanced and rear guards were told off, the men keeping their arms ready for instant use. In addition, the silencers had been removed from the rifles.
"Why are those men halting?" demanded Captain Brookes, as the advance guard came to an abrupt stop.
"They've found something, I think, sir," replied Lieutenant Sinclair.