nd made the suggestion that since such was
undoubtedly the fact, they had better return and come another time.
But Gladding, pointing to a canoe not before observed, convinced
Basset of the contrary, and it was then agreed that they should first
according to the plan arranged approach the cabin and reconnoitre
through the window. This being the post of danger was offered to
Basset who however could be prevailed on by no entreaties to accept
it which finally forced Gladding to volunteer. They all stood now on
a side of the hut where there was neither door nor window, being,
indeed, the side they had been careful to approach in the boat.
Gladding was to steal to one of the windows and after examining the
interior (if possible) to return and apprise them of his discoveries.
Accordingly he started off.

He had been gone but a few minutes when Primus began to be uneasy and
proposed to change their position to one nearer the hut their figures
being too much exposed where they were, in consequence of standing
in relief against the sky and water. The constable would gladly have
stuck by the boat, as furnishing a means of retreat, but dared not
remain alone. Reluctantly therefore, and cursing the obstinacy of the
provoking black he crouched his body towards the ground, and followed
in the rear of the General, that brave officer seeming disposed to
talk louder and make more noise generally than pleased his companion
who, from time to time, earnestly remonstrated with him on the
imprudence.

"What dat!" suddenly exclaimed Primus recoiling on the other and
pointing with his hand directly in front.

"Where? where?" whispered Basset, with his heart in his mouth raising
himself, and catching bold of Primus' arm.

"Hush!" said the General, "is dat a groan?"

At that instant a tremendous blow was applied to the shoulders of the
constable which sent him flat upon his face, dragging the General who
caught a part of the application after him. As Basset fell his
hat dropped off and a paper flew out which Primus picked up and
immediately pocketed, hastening then as fast as his wooden leg would
permit towards the boat which lay only four or five rods distant.
There he found Gladding preparing to push off, and scrambling in, they
had just succeeded in getting her afloat, when Basset, without his hat
flung himself, in the extremity of his terror, headlong in, pitching
Primus down upon the bottom, breaking his wooden leg, and capsizing
To