and Harry simultaneously; they were looking out on to an almost
circular pool some two hundred yards in diameter. In the center
were moored six prahus. Two of them lay broadside on to the creek,
the other four were in a line behind these, and it seemed that their
broadsides were directed to the opposite side of the pool, for the
other two boats were in the way of their firing at the creek. They
were long, low vessels, rowing some twenty oars on each side. Each
carried a number of small brass guns, and they were evidently full
of men, for numbers could be seen on deck, and boats were passing
to and fro between them and a small village at the edge of the
pool. Having taken in all the details of the scene, the lieutenant
passed the word for the mate to leave his own boat and join him.
When he did so, he whispered to him: "I thought it was as well that
you should have a view of these fellows' position too, Morrison, as
it would be of use to you if you have to take a boat in to attack
them."

Two minutes later the boats were drawn back again to the open water
in their rear, and rowed as noiselessly as before down the creek,
no word being spoken until they were half a mile away from the
pool.

"That is a snug hiding place, Mr. Morrison," the lieutenant said.

"It is indeed, sir. Who would have thought the scoundrels were so
close to us, or that they lay up this narrow creek, which I have
passed half a dozen times and never thought worth examining? I
should not have dreamt that one of those craft could have passed
through."