"One moment, sir," exclaimed Gerald. "If we open fire with the 6in. guns we'll probably exterminate friend and foe; that is, if our comrades are still alive, as I think they are. I quite agree with you, however, on the impracticability of sending a punitory force ashore."
"By Jove! it's worth trying," cried Captain Brookes, after the young sub-lieutenant had unfolded his plan, and to the astonishment of the rest of the officers and crew orders were given for the Olive Branch to weigh and proceed to sea. Twenty minutes later the cruiser had left her anchorage in the inhospitable waters of Desolation Inlet.
[Illustration: CHAPTER XVII]
GERALD'S RUSE
IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
"We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
"The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort. Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.