eaned over and watched the smooth, silvery
river, they conversed in low whispers about the expedition, and wondered
what luck was to attend them now.

The plan was evident to all, it was intended to spare the men all the
risk they could, by getting the steamer within range of the prahus, and
sinking them with her big guns. If this could not be done, through the
shallowing of the river, of course the boats would have to continue the
journey up stream; but even then it was Captain Horton's intention to
make use of the boat-guns as much as possible, and save the men from the
disadvantages of boarding vessels that were so carefully protected.

Higher up the river still, and past the stockade, whose remains showed
plainly in the soft moonlight. Ever and again strange noises could be
heard from the jungle on either side, as the various denizens of the
thick tangle of vegetation were alarmed by the throb and rush of the
steamer, with its strange wave that rushed up to the bank, and startled
many a nocturnal creature from its lurking-place, where it lay watching
in search of prey.

To Bob Roberts' great delight, he found that Tom Long was one of the
party, for, being declared well enough by the doctor, he had put in a
sort of claim, as having been of the last force, to a right to belong to
this.

This was conceded to him by Major Sandars, and he was burning to
distinguish himself, if he could obtain a chance.

Very formidable he seemed, with his sword ground to the keenest possible
edge, and a revolver in his belt; though in appearance Bob Roberts was
scarcely less offensive in the way of weapons, as he took pains to show
his friend.

It must have been close upon midnight, when the man in the chains, who
had continued to take soundings, announced by degrees the shallowing of
the river.

For quite twenty miles it had kept to its muddy bottom and uniform
depth, but during the past half-hour the mud had given place to
clean-washed gravel, the depth grew less, and at last the anchor was let
go, for it was not considered safe to proceed farther. But it was not
until there was less than a foot of water beneath the vessel that the
order was given; while even then there was so much way upon the steamer
that she touched upon the gravel lightly before she gradually settled
back and swung to her cable.

Quickly and silently four boats were lowered, each containing twenty
men, and at the word of command the party, under the jo