of a more park-like character, so rare was the sight
of a human being there that the shy pea-fowl, all metallic plumage and
glorious eyes, could be seen gazing at the steamer before taking flight.
There were deer too seen occasionally, and had this been a
pleasure-trip the sportsman would have had ample use for rifle or gun.

But this was no pleasure-trip, for the deck was cleared for action, and
the men were at their quarters, ready to send shot or shell hurtling
through the jungle whenever there should be a reason for such a step.

Another hour, and another, and still the Malay guide pointed before him,
gesticulating a little sometimes, as if bidding them hasten onwards.

The speed was increased at such times, though it was risky, for the
narrowness of the course, and the size of the steamer, rendered the
greatest care necessary to avoid running her bows in among the trees.

Lieutenant Johnson stamped impatiently at last as the sun was descending
behind the trees, and still the Malay pointed onwards.

"It is enough to make one think it a wild goose chase!" he exclaimed.
"We have made a grievous mistake in not having an interpreter. Roberts,
you ought to be able to speak the Malay tongue."

"Yes, sir," said Bob, "I ought!" And then to himself, "So ought you!"

Another hour and they were passing through a denser part than ever; so
close were they that the large drooping boughs of some of the trees
cracked and rustled and snapped as they passed by, to get to what seemed
to be quite a lagoon shining clear and silvery, as seen by those on
board the steamer through quite a tunnel of overhanging branches.

"We ought to be able to hear firing by this time if it is going on at
the stockade," said the lieutenant. "What a place to bring Her
Majesty's ship into! If I did not know that those poor fellows were
anxiously expecting help, not a fathom further would I take the steamer
than into yon open water to-night! Here! fetch that Malay fellow here,
and let's see if we cannot get something out of him!"

Bob Roberts went forward to where the Malay stood, leaning over the
bulwarks gazing at the trees on either side--at least he went to where
the Malay did stand gazing at the trees, but now to Bob's astonishment
the man was not there!

"Where's the Malay guide?" he said sharply to Dick, who was nearest to
him.

"Well, sir, if you call that there chap a guide," said Dick, "I've
done."

"I say where's the Malay guide?