go near enough to the shore to walk them out."

"She can't get within a quarter of a mile," said the pilot; for at this
time none of us knew of the little inlet, into which Lizzie so deftly
guided us.

"Pitch them overboard, of course," cried Jack; "they'll pretty soon make
for the land; and I'll send my mare Gossamer first; she'll give them a
lead, I'll bet. Cunning old devil!"

The impetuosity of Jack was fast gaining converts, when Cato pulled Dunmore
quietly by the sleeve, and said --

"Marmy, baal you take 'em yarroman like 'it Hinchinbrook; my word, plenty
of alligator sit down along of water. He been parter that fellow like 'it
damper."

"By Jove! Cato's right," said Dunmore; "we forget about the alligators and
sharks. I won't let the boys take their horses, and shall not take my own.
I lost one horse from an alligator last year, on the Pioneer River, and
Government wanted to make me pay for it, and I'll take care I don't risk
losing 'three'. Bring Gossamer, if you like, Clark, but, take my word for
it, you'll never see her again."

This unexpected contingency; the prophesied fate of Gossamer, which was as
the apple of Jack's eye; and the point-blank and sensible refusal of
Dunmore to hazard the Government horses, completely turned the tables.
After a little inward grumbling, Jack consoled himself, saying --

"Well, at all events, I can 'think' of riding!"