ve got my knife, sir."

"What! to cut through the lid?"

"No, sir. It's screwed down. I think I could turn the screws with the
big blade."

Taking one of the boxes on his knee, he brought the blade to bear, but
dared not put forth all his force, and for some time he could not get
even one of the fastenings to move, for the water had made the wood
swell.

"It's no use, Pete."

"Oh, ain't it, sir? They are in precious tight, but we have got lots of
time; and look--the top of this box is steaming, and it's drying fast.
I shall do it if I don't break my knife."

_Click_!

"There, now, if half-an-inch of the blade ain't gone! And I thought it
was a bit of the best stuff in our company. Well, there's a bit left to
work with, and I must try and cut through."

"No, no!" cried Archie eagerly. "Try if the broken blade will not go
into the ends of the screws."

"What! and use it as a screw-driver, sir?" cried Peter joyously. "Why,
it will be quite easy now. Call mine a head! Why, it's as thick as a
bowl. Here, take it coolly, sir! Here's one coming out as easy as
easy.--There's one! Don't shout `Hooray!' sir, for sound runs along
over the water like a skate on ice. Why, my knife is like a real tool.
Couldn't have broke off better, sir, and in half-an-hour we shall be all
right if--"

"If what, Pete?"

"The powder ain't damp."

CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

"DON'T YOU KNOW ME?"

To the great satisfaction of both, the upper layers of the cartridges
proved to be quite dry, and, at Peter's suggestion, they made sure of
having a couple of dozen handy by bestowing them in various pockets.

"All right for present use, sir," said Peter; and placing in a few
leaves to refill the box, he lightly screwed down the lid again.

"It's a pity to do that," said Archie.

"Think so, sir? We have got to get those boxes down to the Residency,
and it might happen that we should be obliged to hide them somewhere.
Anyhow, what we've got out will be handy. Now then, I want it to get
dark. What do you say to one of us taking an hour's snooze?"

"By all means, Pete. It will help us to get through the long watching
before night. There, I could not sleep now. You lie down while I keep
watch."

"Oh no, sir; you first."

"Don't argue, Pete. I say, lie down," said Archie sternly.

"Right, sir. But you will play fair? Rouse me up in an hour, and let
me relieve guard."

"I will, Pete. We both want rest, and we shall