all command, and it will be a case of the fortune
of war."

He might have been a Frenchman by his manner of shrugging his shoulders.
His handsome, open face showed clearly that he disliked this
conversation wherein the possible fate of his friend and commander was
discussed.

"Certainly," came Dick's answer, given in the coolest tones. "As
leader, I give orders. I find on going into this matter, that it would
be unwise to risk the lives of the crew and ourselves in attempting a
rescue. But, at the same time, I cannot leave an old friend to a
ghastly fate."

"Then you will go?"

"Yes; I will go alone with this native. He came down the river at
night, and what he has done I can do. I will return with him, and we
will bring my friend away. You will command in my absence, and will
remain as near as possible, so as to pick us up. It's all very clear
and simple."

"By George! clear and simple! You can't mean it?"

A nod of the head was his only answer, as the two young fellows stared
at each other, Dick looking very calm and determined, and Jack decidedly
taken aback. As for the crew, who perforce, owing to the limited space
aboard the launch, had been interested listeners to the whole
conversation, they had been itching to throw in a word to encourage the
order for a dash, for nothing would have pleased these gallant fellows
more. But they were intelligent men, and they, too, when the matter was
thrashed out before them, could understand the grave risk attached to
such an attempt, and the fact that it was not legitimate to undertake
it. They could appreciate a brave decision, too, and as their young
leader quietly announced his intentions, they set up a cheer, which
brought the blood to his cheeks. Jack gripped him by the hand, while
Johnnie started from his stoking well, and came a pace nearer.

"Then yo want me," he said eagerly. "Johnnie know de forest, know dese
debil Ashanti, and hab no fear. He fight plenty Ashanti."

"I want no one, thank you," came the answer. "I will accompany this
native, and I shall hope to be back here two nights from this. 'Bout
ship, Jack. We must make these beggars think that we are turning tail.
Now, I'll ask this fellow a question. Come here, my man. Will you
direct me to the white chief to-night, and return here with him?"

A smile broke out on the wan face of the native, and he showed his
teeth.

"I will go gladly," he said. "To the white chief my life is d