ne is to make
for the tall clump of trees this side of the stockade."

"And chirp like this," said Frank, imitating a bird. "That will bring
the boat."

"Then forward. Not a word."

They stepped out on to the veranda, and gazed down into the black
darkness, with the lightning still quivering and flickering in the
distance.

All was perfectly still in the garden for a few moments, and then there
was a heavy stertorous breathing, which sounded louder as they descended
and passed quickly on down to the gate; Tim staggering a little, but
keeping step for step with the doctor, who supported him by the arm.

Frank led as he had been instructed, and heard the heavy breathing to
right and left; but it was not until he reached the entrance that he
really came in contact with the guards, for there lay one right across
the path, and another had his arms folded on the bamboo top rail of the
gate, and hindered further progress.

To step over the prostrate man was easy, but this other completely
barred the way. Frank waited till his father came up, and he heard him
draw his breath heavily, and stand thinking.

"We cannot stand over trifles now," said Mr Braine. "Desperate
remedies are our only hope;" and, after hesitating a moment or two, he
gently passed his arm round the soft lithe body of the Malay, lifted him
from the gate, and let him sink to the ground beside his companion.

Those were critical moments, and all looked on trembling; but the man
only muttered a little, and, with a heavy sigh, went off into a deeper
sleep.

The party stood listening for a few moments, and then started for the
stockade, in and out among houses and gardens, where all was silent save
the occasional cackle and movement of the game-fowls many of the people
kept. Twice they heard voices, but the place seemed to be pretty well
plunged in slumber, and, with his spirits rising moment by moment, Frank
hurried on, with Amy close behind him, till the houses were left behind
without a soul being encountered; but now, as they neared the river,
there were other dangers to fear.

Of the reptiles Frank thought little. The danger was from the naga that
was always patrolling the stream night and day, especially the former,
on the look-out for trading vessels trying to slip by in the darkness
and in the silence of the night. Knowing how sound travelled, he was in
agony lest there should be word or whisper to excite the Malays'
suspicion.

But fo