Then, turning to me, "You do understand a little French, don't you ?" "Well, sir, I used to learn some at school," I replied, feeling very doubtful about my proficiency.
"I daresay you can understand my Stratford-atte-Bow French," said Mr Brooke, laughing.
"I'll try, sir," I said; and he said to me directly in excellent French-- "I feel doubtful about this man.

You have seen more of him than I have.
Do you think he is honest, or leading us into a trap ?" "Honest, sir," I said, "I feel certain." "Well, then, we will trust him fully; but if he betrays us, and I can get a last shot--well, then--" "He'll be sorry for it, sir," I said, for Mr Brooke did not finish his remark.
"Exactly; get out your gun and put on your cartridge belt." I followed his example, and Ching smiled.
"Velly good thing," he said.

"Now pilate fliend, see jolly sailor boy, and say--Come killee duck-bird, goose-bird to make nicee dinner, not come catchee catchee pilate." "You hear what this man says, my lads ?" said the young lieutenant, addressing the men.
"Ay, ay, sir." "Then you understand now that we have not only come up to shoot ?" "Ay, ay, sir." "Keep your rifles and cutlasses quite handy in case they are wanted.

No confusion, mind, but at the word be ready." Mr Brooke's words seemed to send a thrill through the men, who pulled on now with a more vigorous stroke, while, with our guns charged, and the butts resting on our knees, we gave place to the coxswain, who took the tiller.
"We'll go forward, Herrick," said my companion; and he stepped over the thwarts into the coxswain's place, and I sat by him, watching alternately for birds, junks, and creeks, up which the latter might lie.
"Begin shootee soon," said Ching rather anxiously.
"Why ?" "Velly muchee sail boat behind think why we come." "There goes something, Herrick," said Mr Brooke just then, and I looked up and saw a bird flying over the river at a tremendous rate.
I raised my piece quickly, fired, and as soon as I was a little clear of the smoke, fired again.
"You hit him, sir!" said our stroke-oar.

"I see him wag his tail." "It was a miss," I said quietly.
"Velly good," whispered Ching.