I cannot say that this expedition is one that I should have chosen, were I not convinced that it is my duty.
However, we must hope that all will go well with us, as it has done before." The next day the Malay came off again.
"I have arranged with two men," he said, "to take your message, for ten dollars; but if they go back with you, they will require twenty, because the rajah might detain them." "That I will pay," Harry said.
"But supposing you should not come back," the Malay said, "they might lose their reward.

Will you pay them in advance ?" "No.

I will leave the money in Captain Fairclough's hands, and whether I return or not he will, before he leaves, pay it to the men themselves, if they come back, or to their families." "That is a fair proposal," the Malay said.

"When do you wish the messengers to start ?" "The letter will be ready for them, in an hour's time.

I will come on shore with it, see the men, and give it to them, with instructions.