ort
distance into the forest. The master's mate was in command of one boat,
the second lieutenant of the other; Harry Parkhurst accompanied the
latter. After pushing through the screen of foliage that almost closed
the entrance to the creek, the boats rowed on for some distance. For
half a mile the width was but some fifteen yards, and the trees met in
an arch overhead, then it widened considerably.

"This is just the sort of place," the lieutenant said to Harry,
"where the rajah's prahus may be hidden away. We had best go along as
noiselessly as possible. If we were to come upon them suddenly they
might fire upon us, and that would bring on a general row. If we should
catch sight of them, it would be best to take the news to the captain,
and let him act as he thinks fit."

He ordered the men to cease rowing until the gig came alongside.

"Mr. Morrison," he said, "it seems to me that this is a likely place for
the prahus to be hidden. We had better try and discover if this is the
case, without being ourselves seen; therefore have all the oars, except
four, laid in, and let the men muffle those with their stockings, and
be most careful to dip them into the water without making a splash.
Let absolute silence be preserved in the boat. I will lead the way as
before, and if I hold up my hand stop rowing instantly."

"Aye, aye, sir!" the mate replied.

The same precautions were taken by the cutter, and the boats proceeded
noiselessly. Presently the stream narrowed again, until it seemed that
they were approaching its termination, and the boat stopped rowing.

"I fancy we have come to the end of it, Mr. Morrison," the lieutenant
said in a low voice.

"I am afraid so too, sir; there is no room for the oars, and we shall
either have to punt the boats, or to drag them by the bushes."

The lieutenant was about to give the order to turn when Harry said,
suddenly, "There is a current, sir. I have had my eye upon that root,
and we have drifted backwards a couple of feet since we lost way, so
there must be a stretch of water above us."

The lieutenant watched the root of the tree to which Harry had pointed,
for a minute in silence, then he said, "You are right, my lad, there is
a current, and, as you say, there must be a stretch of water above us.
Lay in your oars, lads; stand up, and pull her along by the boughs and
bushes, but don't make the slightest sound."

Twenty yards farther the creek widened, and the oars were agai