"I shall give you no written message, for fear that you may be taken, Gray," said Captain Smithers, hastily. "Take this verbal message, `Captain Smithers begs, for the sake of all, that Lieutenant Johnson will strive to get the steamer off, and bring her round here, to moor her close up to the bank, alongside of Dullah's hut.' Do you understand?" "Yes, sir," said Gray, and he repeated the words. "That will do. Now go." "At once, sir?" "At once." Gray saluted, and with his teeth pressing his lip started off upon another risky mission. He met Ensign Long as he went back to the quarters, and on being questioned, he questioned in return, and obtained a few particulars, enough to make him determine to make his way up towards the head of the island, and there swim off, to try and get himself swept down to the steamer, hoping to be seen and get on board without mishap, and in this spirit, arming himself once more as on his former expedition, he set off. CHAPTER FORTY FIVE. THROUGH FIRE AND WATER. Private Gray was conscious that the ladies saw him start, and their eyes bade him succeed, or else it was his fancy. At all events the knowledge that he had their sympathy encouraged him, at a time when his heart was sore with the knowledge that Captain Smithers was selecting him for every dangerous service, as if to get rid of him. Sergeant Lund nodded sagely, on receiving the application for the revolver. "All right, my lad," he said quietly. "I suppose I mustn't grumble at you for making it so rusty last time." "No, sergeant; nor yet if I make it worse this time." "Another risky journey then, eh? No, don't tell me, my lad. Go and do your duty; I'm not going to pump you." "I know that, sergeant, but it is no breach of confidence to ask your advice." "'Course not, my lad. There you are; fix 'em in tight. Now then, what is it? I'm good at some things, so long as you don't ask me to put 'em down in writing." "If you wished to get to the steamer, sergeant, how would you proceed?" "Oh, that's it, is it?" said the sergeant. "Well then, you've got a risky job, my lad. But you'll do it. Well, if it was me I should wait till night, if I could." "And if you could not?" "I should go just t'other way, to throw the Malay chaps off their scent. Then work round to the head of the island, slip into the water, and swim down." "Exactly, sergeant," said Gray; and he turned off to go.