I'm not going to run risks by attacking the savages.

Lift your gun and look about, Herrick.

Let them keep in the same mind." I stood up in the boat at this, and noted how rapidly the tide was running up as Mr Brooke gave the word to pull again.
The movement of the boat brought me in full view of the two sampans which had followed us, each with a man and boy aboard; and now, as I looked, I was surprised to see a yellow head raised and begin watching us.

Then another; and Ching said quickly--"Lot men in both boats." I don't know how they had stowed themselves, but now, to our intense astonishment, head after head appeared, till Mr Brooke exclaimed-- "Why, the boats are packed full of men." "Yes, and the junks too," I whispered hastily; for their decks, which a few moments before had appeared to be bare, were now crowded.
"Trapped, Herrick!" said Mr Brooke through his set teeth.

"Is this a trick on the part of Mr Ching ?" The men were looking hard at us, and they did not have long to wait.
"Arms ready, my lads ?" "Ay, ay, sir." "That's right.