“The water is gradually deepening,” Dick said, thrusting the pole down again; “there are nearly ten feet.” It was not long before he announced fifteen, and at that continued until they reached the entrance to the creek, where it was only fourteen feet. “It would be a touch and go there,” the lieutenant said, “but I dare say she could be pushed through. It is very unfortunate that there is that shallow bar this side of the pool. And now, lads, you can lay out for ten minutes, and then we can fasten up to a bough and see what is in the hamper. We have done our work earlier than I had expected, and can take it easy.” The steward had provided them with an ample store of food, and the men ate their hunks of cold meat and bread, and passed round the pannikins of grog, with great contentment, while the officers divided a cold chicken and a bottle of claret. “Now, men,” the lieutenant said, when they had finished, “you can have a quarter of an hour's smoke. You must open the lantern in the bottom of the boat, and hold a jacket over it to prevent the light falling on any of you.” When the men had lit their pipes the lantern was passed aft, and while the coxswain put his jacket over it, the lieutenant lit a cigar. “You smoke, don't you, Balderson?” “Yes, sir, I began when we came up the river; the doctor said it is a good thing to keep off miasma.” “Very well, then light up; I think that it is a good thing myself. We have done a very satisfactory night's work, and I think we see our way now to getting rid of most of those piratical craft, which will not only be a benefit to traders on the coast of the river, but will greatly please all the other chiefs, and will enable them to hold their own against Sehi.” Five minutes were added to the promised quarter, and then the pipes were laid down, and the boat proceeded at a steady stroke until they reached the spot where they had fished. “Somewhere about here, lad?” “Yes, sir, I think that this is just the place. I noticed that tall tree rising above the general line just opposite where we were anchored.” “Then lower the grapnel; in oars.” Another bottle was produced from the hamper; the lieutenant filled a wine glass full and drank it off, and then passed the glass over to Dick. “What is it, sir?” “It is some grog, with a large dose of quinine. The doctor begged me to give it an hour or two before daylight. Now, lads, you are each to take a glass of this; it will protect you against the effect of the mist on the river. You can show the lantern now; it is just as well that they should see it if they are on the lookout.” Every man took his glass of the mixture. “Now wrap yourselves in your blankets, lads, and lie down for a couple of hours' sleep.”