grog, with great contentment, while the officers divided a cold
chicken and a bottle of claret.

"Now, men," the lieutenant said, when they had finished, "you can have
a quarter of an hour's smoke. You must open the lantern in the bottom of
the boat, and hold a jacket over it to prevent the light falling on any
of you."

When the men had lit their pipes the lantern was passed aft, and while
the coxswain put his jacket over it, the lieutenant lit a cigar.

"You smoke, don't you, Balderson?"

"Yes, sir, I began when we came up the river; the doctor said it is a
good thing to keep off miasma."

"Very well, then light up; I think that it is a good thing myself. We
have done a very satisfactory night's work, and I think we see our way
now to getting rid of most of those piratical craft, which will not
only be a benefit to traders on the coast of the river, but will greatly
please all the other chiefs, and will enable them to hold their own
against Sehi."

Five minutes were added to the promised quarter, and then the pipes were
laid down, and the boat proceeded at a steady stroke until they reached
the spot where they had fished.

"Somewhere about here, lad?"

"Yes, sir, I think that this is just the place. I noticed that tall tree
rising above the general line just opposite where we were anchored."

"Then lower the grapnel; in oars."

Another bottle was produced from the hamper; the lieutenant filled a
wine glass full and drank it off, and then passed the glass over to
Dick.

"What is it, sir?"

"It is some grog, with a large dose of quinine. The doctor begged me to
give it an hour or two before daylight. Now, lads, you are each to take
a glass of this; it will protect you against the effect of the mist on
the river. You can show the lantern now; it is just as well that they
should see it if they are on the lookout."

Every man took his glass of the mixture.

"Now wrap yourselves in your blankets, lads, and lie down for a couple
of hours' sleep."

After a minute or two's scuffling while each found a plank to suit
him, all was quiet in the boat. Dick, who felt far too excited over the
events of the night to be sleepy, had volunteered to keep watch, and,
lighting another pipe at the lantern, smoked till it was broad daylight.
Then he roused the crew, and in less than two hours afterwards they
rowed alongside the Serpent. The captain was greatly pleased with Mr.
Ferguson's report.

"It is unlucky about th