CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.
IN THE CREEK.
Ching's announcement cleared up what had been somewhat of a mystery.

It had appeared strange to everybody that the junks had been up this river apparently for no purpose, and more strange that they should have been light, and not laden with the plunder of the vessels they had taken.
And now, as without any need for taking soundings the _Teaser_ slowly steamed back, Ching pointed out a kind of landing-place in a little creek hidden amongst dense growth, so that it had been passed unnoticed on our way up.
The country here on both sides of the river was wild, and no trace of a dwelling could be seen; but about half a mile from the shore there was a low ridge, round one end of which the creek wound, and toward this ridge Ching pointed, screwing his eyes up into narrow slits, and wrinkling up his face in all directions.
"Velly bad man live along-along there.

Plenty plize-money; plenty tea, lice, silk; plenty evelyting.

Come and see." The _Teaser_ was moored, and a couple of boats manned with well-armed crews, Ching looking on the while and cunningly shaking his head.
"No wantee big piecee sword gun.

Pilate all lun away and hide." "Never mind," said Mr Reardon, who was going in command of the expedition; "we may find somebody there disposed to fight." "Takee all along big empty boat; cally tea, silk, lice, plize-money ?" "Better see first," said the captain; "there may not be anything worth carriage.