Then orders were given for soundings to be taken right across the river, but the result was always the same; the stream had suddenly shallowed, and it was at first supposed to be a bar; but sounding higher up proved that the shoal water was continuous, and though the lighter-draft junks had gone on, they had now come to a standstill, which suggested that they too had been stopped. "Told you so," grumbled Barkins, joining us. "All this trouble for nothing. Why didn't the skipper open fire and blow 'em out of the water when he had a chance?" "Go and ask him, Mr Barkins," said Mr Brooke, who overheard his remark. "And if I were you, I'd ask him at the same time why it is amateurs can always manage better than the leader." Mr Brooke nodded, and I saw that he looked very serious as he walked aft, and a minute later I knew why. "Bah!" growled Smith, as soon as he was out of hearing. "Shouldn't have listened." "No," said Barkins. "It isn't quite manly to play the spy. Talk about snubbing, why is it officers should think it so precious fine to be always dropping on to their juniors? Now, then, look out! there's orders coming. The old _Teaser's_ going to waggle her tail between her legs, and we're going back again. More waste of Her Majesty's coals." "If we don't lie-to till the tide turns," I said. "Oh, I say, you two look sharp and get quite well again; I didn't know that having wounds would make fellows so sour." "Who's sour. Here, let's get aft; quick, or we shall be out of the fun." For the whistles were going, and the men springing to the boats, three of which were manned, and the one lying alongside being filled with a strong, well-armed crew. We all three did press forward, in the full hope of being sent as well, and made ourselves so prominent that I saw Mr Reardon frown. But no orders came; and at last, in a great state of excitement, Barkins seized the opportunity to speak. "May I go in the longboat, sir?" "You--lame still from your wound, sir? Absurd! No, nor you neither, Mr Smith." He caught my eye just then, but turned away, and I could not help feeling disappointed, though I knew well enough that the risk would have been great. "Oh, I do call it a shame," grumbled Barkins, as the order was given, the men cheered, and, under the command of Mr Brooke, the four boats pushed off, the oars dropped, the oily water splashed in the bright sunshine, and each boat with its colours trailing astern glided rapidly up-stream. "Yes, it's too bad," grumbled Smith in turn, who unconsciously began nursing his arm as if it pained him. "Why, it's worse for me," I cried. "I'm quite strong and well. I ought to have gone." Barkins exploded with silent laughter, laid his hand on Smith's shoulder, and said huskily, as if he were choking with mirth-- "I say, hark at him! What for? There'll be plenty of mosquitoes up there to sting the poor fellows; they don't want a gnat to tickle them and make them fight."