e sword gun. Pilate all lun away and hide."

"Never mind," said Mr Reardon, who was going in command of the
expedition; "we may find somebody there disposed to fight."

"Takee all along big empty boat; cally tea, silk, lice, plize-money?"

"Better see first," said the captain; "there may not be anything worth
carriage. Go with them," he said to Ching. "They may want an
interpleter."

"Yes, Ching interpleter. Talk velly nice Inglis."

"You can come if you like in my boat, Mr Herrick," said the lieutenant;
and I jumped at the opportunity, but before I reached the side I turned,
and saw Barkins and Smith looking gloomily on.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" said Mr Reardon.

"Beg pardon, sir," I said; "I was only thinking that Mr Barkins and Mr
Smith would be very glad to go ashore."

"Of course they would, but I suppose you don't want to give up your
place to them?"

"No, sir," I said; "but I will."

"Oh, very well. Here, Mr Barkins, Mr Smith; do you feel well enough
to go in my boat?"

"Yes, sir," they cried together eagerly.

"Jump in, then."

"Thank you, sir," cried Smith, and he mounted into the first boat; but
Barkins hesitated a moment.

"Thank you, old chap," he whispered, "but I don't like to go."

"Off with you," I said, and I hurried him forward. "Shall I give you a
leg up?" I added, for he limped a good deal still.

"No, no; I don't want to let them see I'm lame. But I say, Gnat, you
go."

"Be off," I whispered. "Quick!" and I helped him in.

"Here, Ching, you had better go in the second boat," said Mr Reardon
sharply; and, as the Chinaman rolled out of the first boat, blinking and
smiling, orders were given to lower away, and the first boat kissed the
water.

I was looking down at my two messmates, feeling a little disappointed,
but glad that they had a chance at last, when Mr Reardon looked up.

"Here, Mr Herrick," he cried. "You had better come on in the other
boat, and take charge of the interpreter. Look sharp."

I did look sharp, and a few minutes later I was sitting in the
stern-sheets, being rowed ashore.

"Plenty loom in littlee liver," said Ching, pointing to the creek.
"Pilate take allee plize-money in sampan up littlee liver."

"Ching thinks the boats could go up the creek, sir, and that the pirates
go that way."

"Try, then; go first, Mr Grey," cried the first lieutenant; and,
ordering his boat's crew to lie on their oars, he waited till we had
passed, a