the way and keeping a sharp look-out
for any sign of treachery on the part of the Korean.

It was but a short distance to the banks of the stream, previously
mentioned, which crossed the route of the caravan, but when they arrived
there a disagreeable surprise was in store for the leader. The heavy
rain of the previous night had swollen the river to such an extent that,
instead of a placid, shallow stream, little exceeding in size a mere
brook, it was now a roaring, foaming torrent, rising higher and higher
every minute; and there was no knowing how long it might be before the
water would subside to its normal level. Frobisher consequently
realised with dismay that he might be compelled to stay where he was for
several days, allowing the enemy ample time to arrive on the spot and
capture the caravan.

Evidently, he told himself, it would never do to be delayed by this
obstacle; but how was he to overcome it? that was the question.

"Ling," he demanded, "how long will it be before this water will go low
enough to allow us to cross?"

The Korean shrugged his shoulders. "Me no know, mastel," he said.
"Pelhaps by to-night; pelhaps not fol week. No can do nothing, can only
stop hele."

"Don't you believe that for a minute, my man," retorted Frobisher
tartly, for it annoyed him to observe the calm satisfaction with which
the Korean regarded the situation. "We've got to get across, do you
hear? And we are going to do it; so make up your mind to that. If I
have to drown every man of the caravan, and you too," he added, "I'm
going to manage it somehow, so you understand. And now that I've told
you this, tell me in return whether there is any other place beside this
where we can cross?"

"No, mastel," said Ling, "no othel place. This only place anywhele.
And no can closs hele, mastel can see fol himselluf."

"Well," said Frobisher determinedly, "if this is the only place, this is
where we cross. The river is rising very rapidly, and the longer we
delay the worse it will be; you see, therefore, that there's no time to
waste. I'm going to ride in to find how deep the water is, and, what's
more, my friend, you are coming with me." As he spoke, the young sailor
grasped the bridle of Ling's mule, dug his heels into his own animal's
sides, and together the Englishman and the now thoroughly frightened
Korean descended the steep bank and plunged into the river.

Not until he was actually in the water did Frobisher re