"By firing the reeds"--and he pointed to the dense masses of dead
vegetation about--"as I arranged that I would do before we left Mur many
months ago. The Fung, if they see it, will think only that it is the
work of some wandering fisherman."

Orme shrugged his shoulders, saying:

"Well, friend Shadrach, you know the place and these people, and I do
not, so we must do what you tell us. But I say at once that if, as I
understand, yonder Fung will kill us if they can, to me your plan seems
very dangerous."

"It is dangerous," he answered, adding with a sneer, "but I thought that
you men of England were not cowards."

"Cowards! you son of a dog!" broke in Higgs in his high voice. "How
dare you talk to us like that? You see this man here"--and he pointed to
Sergeant Quick, who, tall and upright, stood watching this scene grimly,
and understanding most of what passed--"well, he is the lowest among
us--a servant only" (here the Sergeant saluted), "but I tell you that
there is more courage in his little finger than in your whole body, or
in that of all the Abati people, so far as I can make out."

Here the Sergeant saluted again, murmuring beneath his breath, "I
hope so, sir. Being a Christian, I hope so, but till it comes to the
sticking-point, one can never be sure."

"You speak big words, O Higgs," answered Shadrach insolently, for, as I
think I have said, he hated the Professor, who smelt the rogue in him,