trustworthy, and the best suited for the task," he said
directly; and as the words left his lips he raised his eyes, and saw the
object of his thoughts come with a dozen more men to relieve the party
nearer him.

"Fall out, Gray," he said sharply; and Gray looked at him curiously as
he stepped back out of the ranks.

"I want a message conveyed on board the steamer, Gray," said Captain
Smithers. "She lies about fifty yards off the other side of the island,
aground on the mud. Do you think you can reach her?"

"I shall do my best, sir," said Gray, quietly. "If I do not succeed,
you will know it is because I am down."

"But you must not go down, Gray," said Captain Smithers, hastily. "You
cannot be spared. This is a most important duty, and that is why I send
you."

The private's eyes were fixed on those of his captain most searchingly,
and the latter lowered his own before those of his inferior.

"I shall give you no written message, for fear that you may be taken,
Gray," said Captain Smithers, hastily. "Take this verbal message,
`Captain Smithers begs, for the sake of all, that Lieutenant Johnson
will strive to get the steamer off, and bring her round here, to moor
her close up to the bank, alongside of Dullah's hut.' Do you
understand?"

"Yes, sir," said Gray, and he repeated the words.

"That will do. Now go."

"At once, sir?"

"At once."

Gray saluted, and with his teeth pressing his lip started off upon
another risky mission.

He met Ensign Long as he went back to the quarters, and on being
questioned, he questioned in return, and obtained a few particulars,
enough to make him determine to make his way up towards the head of the
island, and there swim off, to try and get himself swept down to the
steamer, hoping to be seen and get on board without mishap, and in this
spirit, arming himself once more as on his former expedition, he set
off.

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

THROUGH FIRE AND WATER.

Private Gray was conscious that the ladies saw him start, and their eyes
bade him succeed, or else it was his fancy. At all events the knowledge
that he had their sympathy encouraged him, at a time when his heart was
sore with the knowledge that Captain Smithers was selecting him for
every dangerous service, as if to get rid of him.

Sergeant Lund nodded sagely, on receiving the application for the
revolver.

"All right, my lad," he said quietly. "I suppose I mustn't grumble at
you for making it s