"We have got to the end of the path, sir; it ends on the bank of
that pool we saw ahead."

The lantern was now extinguished, and the party hurried forward.
On reaching the bank they found that the path ended, as they had
expected, just opposite the village. The prahus lay somewhat to
the right.

"It could not be better," the lieutenant whispered. "Now let us
see whether we can find a suitable place for the guns."

This was much easier than they had expected, for the trees were
cleared, probably to furnish firewood, for a distance of some fifteen
yards from the bank; between this cleared place and the water was
a fringe of thick bushes.

"This will do capitally, lads. Now we will be off at once; we have
found out all that we wanted, and nothing could be more satisfactory."

They retraced their steps rapidly till they came to the coil of
cord looped on a low bough. The coxswain took it down, and they were
soon all on board the boat again. "Now, lads, row as noiselessly
as you can to the mouth of the pool again, then turn, and lay on
your oars, except bow and two, who are to paddle very slowly. Hand
Mr. Balderson that twenty foot bamboo; I want to sound the river
as we come back."

As soon as the boat was again turned, Dick took the pole, and,
standing .up, thrust it down into the water.