Part 66 (1/2)
”Oh, I say, Tanner,” I said, ”don't quarrel with him about me. What he said did no harm. Mr Reardon was as friendly as could be.”
”That's a cracker,” cried Smith sharply.
At that moment a marine came to the door.
”First lieutenant wants to see Mr Herrick directly.”
”Yes; where is he?” I said, smiling--purposely, of course.
”With the cap'n, sir, on the quarter-deck.”
”All right; I'll be there directly.”
The man saluted and marched off, while I followed to the door, where I turned, thrust in my head, and said banteringly--
”Now be good boys and don't fight while I'm gone.”
_Bang_!
A book off the table, flung by Smith, struck the door which I was holding half open, for I saw the missile coming, and dodged it. Then I popped my head in again.
”Don't take any notice of him, Tanner,” I cried; ”he's bilious. Thankye for sticking up for me. Can I say a word for you to the captain?”
”Here, get up,” cried Smith, with a snarl. ”Touch your hat to him.
He's promoted; and they'll send poor old Brooke a step lower. All hail, Lieutenant Skeeter!”
”All right!” I cried, and I hurried away, leaving Barkins looking as if he could not believe his ears.
The next minute I was facing the captain and Mr Reardon.
CHAPTER THIRTY.
A FRESH START.
”Mr Herrick,” said the captain, as I saluted, ”I have decided that, as you know so much about this business, you shall go with Mr Brooke in one of the boats; but I wish you to observe what I say: the success of our expedition depends a great deal upon secrecy, so do not chatter anything about your mission in the hearing of the men.”
”No, sir, certainly not,” I said, wondering what the mission might be, and whether we were going to cut out the junks.
”That's right; you had better take the interpreter with you.”
”To search for the junks, sir?”
”Hush; guard your tongue, sir. You are ostensibly going up the river with Mr Brooke upon a little shooting expedition for wild-fowl, so get rid of your uniform. I daresay we can lend him a gun, Mr Reardon?”
”If he'll take care of it, he can have mine, sir,” said Mr Reardon.
”Then off with you, my lad, and be as observant as you can. Mr Brooke will tell you, I daresay, all about his instructions.”
I saluted, and darted away in time to see that Smith had been watching me, for he drew back as I approached, and I found him standing by where Barkins sat, looking exceedingly glum.