l. For this reason
I have timed our march that we should arrive on the night of this feast,
which I know by the age of the moon, when, in the darkness, with God's
help, perchance we may slip past Harmac, and at the first light find
ourselves in the mouth of the road that runs up to Mur. Moreover, I will
give warning to my people, the Abati, that we are coming, so that they
may be at hand to help us if there is need."

"How?" asked Orme.

"By firing the reeds"--and he pointed to the dense masses of dead
vegetation about--"as I arranged that I would do before we left Mur many
months ago. The Fung, if they see it, will think only that it is the
work of some wandering fisherman."

Orme shrugged his shoulders, saying:

"Well, friend Shadrach, you know the place and these people, and I do
not, so we must do what you tell us. But I say at once that if, as I
understand, yonder Fung will kill us if they can, to me your plan seems
very dangerous."

"It is dangerous," he answered, adding with a sneer, "but I thought that
you men of England were not cowards."

"Cowards! you son of a dog!" broke in Higgs in his high voice. "How
dare you talk to us like that? You see this man here"--and he pointed to
Sergeant Quick, who, tall and upright, stood watching this scene grimly,
and understanding most of what passed--"well, he is the lowest among
us--a servant only" (here the Sergeant saluted), "but I tell you that
there is more courage in his little finger than in your whole body, or
in that of all the Abati people, so far as I can make out."

Here the Sergeant saluted again, murmuring beneath his breath, "I
hope so, sir. Being a Christian, I hope so, but till it comes to the
sticking-point, one can never be sure."

"You speak big words, O Higgs," answered Shadrach insolently, for, as I
think I have said, he hated the Professor, who smelt the rogue in him,
and scourged him continually with his sharp tongue, "but if the Fung get
hold of you, then we shall learn the truth."

"Shall I punch his head, sir?" queried Quick in a meditative voice.

"Be quiet, please," interrupted Orme. "We have troubles enough before
us, without making more. It will be time to settle our quarrels when we
have got through the Fung."

Then he turned to Shadrach and said:

"Friend, this is no time for angry words. You are the guide of this
party; lead us as you will, remembering only that if it comes to war, I,
by the wish of my companions, am Captain.