But I say, Gnat, you go." "Be off," I whispered.

"Quick!" and I helped him in.
"Here, Ching, you had better go in the second boat," said Mr Reardon sharply; and, as the Chinaman rolled out of the first boat, blinking and smiling, orders were given to lower away, and the first boat kissed the water.
I was looking down at my two messmates, feeling a little disappointed, but glad that they had a chance at last, when Mr Reardon looked up.
"Here, Mr Herrick," he cried.

"You had better come on in the other boat, and take charge of the interpreter.

Look sharp." I did look sharp, and a few minutes later I was sitting in the stern-sheets, being rowed ashore.
"Plenty loom in littlee liver," said Ching, pointing to the creek.
"Pilate take allee plize-money in sampan up littlee liver." "Ching thinks the boats could go up the creek, sir, and that the pirates go that way." "Try, then; go first, Mr Grey," cried the first lieutenant; and, ordering his boat's crew to lie on their oars, he waited till we had passed, and then followed.
"Ching going showee way," whispered the Chinaman to me.
"But how do you know there is a place up there ?" I said.

"Have you ever been ?" Ching shook his head till his black tail quivered, and closed his eyes in a tight smile.
"Ching interpleter," he said, with a cunning look.