rough the water, evidently caused by a crocodile disturbed by the
passing boat. Then, too, came the cry of a tiger, distant or near, and
other peculiar calls from deep in the jungle, sounds that they would
hardly have noticed by day, but which were peculiarly impressive now.

And so the time wore on, till, just as Ned was asking if his companion
did not think they must be near the campong now, Hamet said in a low
voice:

"Don't talk. Words fly along the water. Be heard."

"Then we must be near now?" whispered Ned.

"Yes," replied Frank. "I say, Hamet, keep a good look-out for the
prahus, and run her in by the tree where the crocodile was caught. It
will be quite black under those boughs."

"Pst!" whispered Hamet, and he ceased dipping his oar in the water, for
suddenly a faint light appeared ahead of them not larger than that
emitted by a firefly, but the regular beat of oars told that it was in
some boat, and unless prompt measures were taken, it was evident that
they would be seen, and the efforts of the night thrown away.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

THE RAJAH'S MESSAGES.

Murray woke with a start to find that the sun was well above the trees,
and a curious sensation of shame troubled him as he recalled the events
of the previous night.

As he started up, he saw that Mr Braine was seated at his little table
writing, and as the latter noticed his fellow-prisoner's awaking, he
laid down his pen, and held out his hand.

"I was writing a few lines to the doctor," he said. "I daresay they
will take a note for me. I have told him that we are prisoners, to
account to my wife for our absence."

"Tell him--tell them," said Murray, flushing a little, "to be of good
cheer, for we are behaving like prisoners, and watching some means by
which we may all escape from this wretched place."

"And if my letter goes to the rajah first, he may get it interpreted for
him, and know what we intend to do." Murray made an impatient gesture.

"You are right," he said. "My brain is all confused. We cannot escape
without those boys."

"I am as confused as you are," replied Mr Braine. "The rajah has had
those two taken to hold as hostages. I am sorry to give you pain, but
the truth must be told."

"But why--why?"

"Do you need to ask?"

"No," said Murray, despairingly. "I know well enough, and in my selfish
love for her, I am ready to say she must be saved from such a fate."

"And my son condemned to death in company