CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.
INFORMATION.
It was too dark to make out the junks, but their direction had been well marked, and Mr Brooke took his measures very carefully.
"Perfect silence, my lads," he said.

"Perhaps the lives of all here depend upon it.

Now, the sail half up; Jecks, hold the sheet; the others sit in the bottom of the boat.

Every man to have his arms ready for instant use." There was a quick movement, a faint rattle, and then all still.
"Good; very prompt, my lads.

Mr Herrick, come and take the tiller, and be ready to obey the slightest whispered command." I hurriedly seated myself by him in the darkness, and waited while our leader now turned to the last man to receive his orders.
"You, Ching," he said, "will go right forward to keep a good look-out, ready to give a whispered warning of our approach to the junks.