they get near the pool, and then land and find the path, it would
diminish very much the distance they would have to go and the work
to be done."

"It would be a great thing to find that out beforehand, sir. If you
like, I will drop down the river this afternoon in the gig; that
will attract no attention, for it will be thought that we are merely
going fishing or shooting. As soon as it is dark we will muffle
the oars, and row up the other branch, find the mouth of the creek
and row up it, first find how far it is to the pool, then drop
down a quarter of a mile and land, strike into the jungle, and look
for the path. I should, of course, choose a point where the creek
bends that way, for as the path no doubt goes straight from the
village to the pool, it would be nearer the creek at a bend than
it would be at any other point. If it is a sharp bend it might go
quite close to it."

"That would be a very good plan, Mr. Ferguson, and as you have
proposed it, you shall take command of the boat; otherwise I should
have sent either the third lieutenant or Morrison. I need not say
that it will be necessary to use the greatest caution, and to avoid
all risks as much as possible, though I fancy that my gig would
run away from any of the ordinary native craft; but, of course, the
great point is to avoid being noticed, for were one of our boats
seen up the other river near the creek, the alarm would be given,
and the prahus might at once shift their position, and make up the
river, where we should have little chance of finding them again."

"I quite understand that, sir, and will be as careful as possible.
I will take one of the midshipmen with me, either Mr. Parkhurst or