"
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.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93