After pushing through the screen of foliage that almost
closed the entrance to the creek, the boats rowed on for some
distance. For half a mile the width was but some fifteen yards,
and the trees met in an arch overhead, then it widened considerably.
"This is just the sort of place," the lieutenant said to Harry,
"where the rajah's prahus may be hidden away. We had best go along
as noiselessly as possible. If we were to come upon them suddenly
they might fire upon us, and that would bring on a general row. If
we should catch sight of them, it would be best to take the news
to the captain, and let him act as he thinks fit."
He ordered the men to cease rowing until the gig came alongside.
"Mr. Morrison," he said, "it seems to me that this is a likely
place for the prahus to be hidden. We had better try and discover
if this is the case, without being ourselves seen; therefore have
all the oars, except four, laid in, and let the men muffle those
with their stockings, and be most careful to dip them into the water
without making a splash. Let absolute silence be preserved in the
boat. I will lead the way as before, and if I hold up my hand stop
rowing instantly."
"Aye, aye, sir!" the mate replied.
The same precautions were taken by the cutter, and the boats
proceeded noiselessly.
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