not only did the three midshipmen, but most of the older men in the
boats, hold their breath till they were well through it, and once more
floating in smooth water inside the bar. Instead of being in a mere
creek, they found that they had entered a broad deep river which seemed
to come down from a considerable distance in the interior. They pulled
on more certain than before of finding the chase. However, after they
had gone some distance, they arrived at a spot where the river formed
two distinct branches, or, rather, it might be, where another broad
stream joined the main current. Up which the schooner had proceeded it
was impossible to say.

"I'll take one stream, you take the other," shouted Hemming to Evans;
and the boats dashed on.

It was important to overtake the schooner before she got higher up, and
perhaps hidden away in some narrow creek where it might be no easy
matter to find her. The scenery was far from attractive. Little else
on either side was to be seen but long lines of mangrove bushes, and as
the tide fell black banks of mud began to appear, which it was evident
would soon narrow the width of the stream. Evans and Jack took the
branch of the stream which came from the southward. It wound about a
good deal, so that they were aware they might any moment come on the
schooner. They kept their muskets by their sides ready loaded.

"I say, Mr Evans, I wish that we could see the chase some time before
we get up to her," observed Jack. "What are we to do should we find
her, sir?"

"Jump on board, and knock every fellow down who resists," was the
lieutenant's answer. "Depend on it she is a slaver or pirate, probably
both, and her crew will not give in without a tussle."

"With the greatest pleasure in the world," replied Jack, who was very
practical in his notions about fighting, and had no idea of half
measures.

The current was now making down very strong, and the boat consequently
progressed but slowly. Still Mr Evans persevered. The men bent
lustily to their oars, and reach after reach of the river was passed,
but there was no sign of the chase. Now and then there were openings in
the mangrove bushes, and more than once Jack felt certain that he saw
some dark figures running along parallel with the river, and evidently
watching their movements. Jack pointed them out to Mr Evans.

"That looks as if we had enemies in the neighbourhood," observed the
lieutenant. "Be ready, my men--ma