Take boatee out water, mend him to-mollow, next week." "Then what are we to do ?" I cried.

"We want to watch the junks." "Why no takee other fellow big boatee?
Plenty big boatee evelywhere.
Get in big sampan junk, pilate man no sabby jolly sailor boy come along.
Think other piecee fellow go catch fish." "Here, Mr Brooke," I cried excitedly; "Ching says we had better take one of these boats lying moored out here, and the pirates won't think of it being us.

Isn't it capital ?" Mr Brooke gazed sharply at us both for a few moments, and then directed the boat's head as if going up the river again.
"Where is there a suitable boat ?" he said hoarsely, and speaking evidently under great excitement, as he saw a means of saving the chance after all.
"Velly nice big boat over 'long there," said Ching, pointing to a native craft about double the size of our cutter, lying moored about a hundred yards from the shore, and evidently without any one in her.
"Yes, that will do," cried Mr Brooke.

"Anything fits a man who has no clothes.

Pull, my lads--give way!" The men dragged at the oars, and I saw that since Ching had left off baling the water was gaining fast, and that if more power was not put on it would not be long before the boat was waterlogged or sunk.
In a minute we were alongside the boat, one of a superior class, possibly belonging to some man of consequence, and Mr Brooke had run the cutter along her on the side farthest from the shore, so that our proceedings were not noticed, as we made fast.
"Now then, tumble in, my lads," he cried; "take the oars and everything movable.