y, Franky, I don't like that."

"No; neither do I, Dick."

"It does seem like putting ourselves into his hands," continued Roberts
thoughtfully. "Oh, but I don't know," he continued, as if snatching at
anything that told for the success of the expedition; "you know what
Anderson often tells us."

"I know what he says sometimes about our being thoughtless boys."

"Yes, that's what I mean, old fellow; and it isn't true, for I think a
deal about my duties, and as for you--you're a beggar to think, just
like the monkey who wouldn't speak for fear he should be set to work."

"Thanks for the compliment," said Murray drily.

"Oh, you know what I mean. But I suppose we can't think so well now as
we shall by and by. I mean, older fellows can think better, and I
suppose that the skipper and old Anderson really do know better than we
do. It will be all right, old fellow. They wouldn't let themselves be
led into any trap; and besides, look at the Yankee--I mean, look at his
position; he must be sharp enough."

"Oh yes, he's sharp enough," said Murray. "Hear him talk, and you'd
think he was brought up on pap made of boiled-down razor-strops."

"Well, then, he must know well enough that if he did the slightest thing
in the way of playing fast and loose with us, he'd get a bullet through
his head."

"Yes--if he wasn't too sharp for us."

"Oh, it will be all right," cried Roberts. "Don't be too cautious,
Franky. Put your faith in your superior officers; that's the way to
succeed."

"Then you think I am too cautious here, Dick?"

"Of course I do," cried Roberts, patting his brother middy on the
shoulder. "It will be all right, so don't be dumpy. I feel as if we
are going to have a fine time of it."

"Think we shall have any fighting?"

"Afraid not; but you do as I do. I mean to get hold of a cutlass and
pistols. I'm not going to risk my valuable life with nothing to
preserve it but a ridiculous dirk. Don't you be downhearted and think
that the expedition is coming to grief."

"Not I," said Murray cheerily. "I suppose it's all right; but I
couldn't help thinking what I have told you. I wish I didn't think such
things; but it's a way I have."

"Yes," said his companion, "and any one wouldn't expect it of you,
Franky, seeing what a light-hearted chap you are. It's a fault in your
nature, a thing you ought to correct. If you don't get over it you'll
never make a dashing officer."

"Be too cautious, eh?