In spite of his apparent indifference, Lord Stranleigh appeared on the summit shortly after breakfast. He found Mackeller stretched on the rock, sound asleep, and did not disturb him, but turned his attention instead to the telescope, through which he saw enough of industry going on to satisfy the most indolent. He turned the telescope this way and that, and at last fixed it at a point covering the river lower down than the mine. There he gazed quietly for a long time, until interrupted by Mackeller sitting up, and giving utterance to an exclamation when he saw his chief seated on the stump that did duty for a chair. “Good morning, Peter. Watchman, what of the night?” “They worked all night, sir, both at the blasting of the ore, and the unloading of the ship.” “Then that means we shall soon need to be getting under weigh again. If they load the _Rajah_ as quickly as they have unloaded her, she will be out in the ocean before we know where we are.” “That’s why I came up last night, sir. I thought you didn’t quite appreciate how speedily our visit here is drawing to a close.” “And yet,” drawled Stranleigh, “what they are doing now seems to point to a lengthened stay on the part of the _Rajah._” “What are they doing now?” demanded Mackeller. “About half a mile below the gold fields they are planting floating mines in the river. They have just finished one row that goes clear across the stream, and are engaged upon the second series a quarter of a mile, as I estimate the distance, nearer the ocean. They have two ordinary ship’s boats at work, and one steam launch. The river is sealed up, and there is a practical declaration of war, my boy, with Mackeller sound asleep.” CHAPTER V--AN INVITATION TO LUNCH MACKELLER, now wide awake, sprang to his feet and gazed through the telescope. “You see,” he cried triumphantly, “I was right after all!” “Yes, you were right on one point and wrong on another. I confess I did not believe in the floating mine, because it is not an article you can buy at every ironmonger’s; but you were wrong in predicting they would leave a channel for the _Rajah_ to get out: they have completely sealed the river. Of course that is an advantage. When it is time for the _Rajah_ to leave, you will see those mines picked up and brought inshore; so, by watching the mine field on the river, we will receive notice of the _Rajah’s_ departure.” “And do you intend to follow her out when the mines are cleared away?” “Bless you, no. We will depart by the main channel.” “Then you will do nothing about this nest of explosives?”