mob, they'll cut you to
pieces."

"Ching 'flaid so. Allee bad man. Wantee kill young offlicer."

"And he fought for us, Mr Brown, like a brick," said Barkins.

"Then we must take him aboard for the present."

"Yes, go 'board, please," said Ching plaintively. "Not my sword--b'long
mandalin man."

"Let's see where you're wounded," said the officer, as the men rowed
steadily back towards the _Teaser_.

"I--I don't think I'm wounded," I panted, "but it hurts me rather to
breathe."

"Why, I saw one of the brutes cut you down with his big sword," cried
Smith.

"Yes," I said, "I felt it, but, but--yes, of course: it hit me here."

"Oh, murder!" cried Smith. "Look here, Tanner. Your glass has got it
and no mistake."

It had "got it" and no mistake, for the blow from the keen sword had
struck it at a sharp angle, and cut three parts of the way through the
thick metal tube, which had been driven with tremendous force against my
ribs.

"Oh, Gnat!" cried Barkins, as he saw the mischief, "it's quite spoilt.
What a jolly shame!"

"But it saved his life," said Smith, giving him a meaning nod. "I
wouldn't have given much for his chance, if he hadn't had that telescope
under his arm. I say, Mr Brown, why was the gun fired?"

"To bring you all on board. Captain's got some information. Look,
we've weighed anchor, and we're off directly--somewhere."

"But what about Ching?" I said to Barkins.

"Ching! Well, he'll be safe on board and unsafe ashore. I don't
suppose we shall be away above a day. I say, Ching, you'll have to
stop."

"Me don't mind. Velly hungly once more. Wantee pipe and go sleepee.
Velly tire. Too much fightee."

We glided alongside of the gunboat the next minute, where Mr Reardon
was waiting for us impatiently.

"Come, young gentlemen," he cried, "you've kept us waiting two hours.
Up with you. Good gracious, what a state you're in! Nice addition to a
well-dishiplined ship! and--here, what's the meaning of this?" he cried,
as the boat rose to the davits. "Who is this Chinese boy?"

"Velly glad get 'board," said the man, smiling at the important officer.
"All along big fight. Me Ching."

CHAPTER FOUR.

DOUBLE ALLOWANCE.

No time was lost in getting out of the mouth of the river, and as soon
as the bustle and excitement of the start was over, we three were sent
for to the cabin to relate our adventures to the captain, the first
lieutenant being present to put in a word now