Get also a plank of four inches wide from one of the deserted houses in the village behind us, and cut out two paddles; we may find oars on board, but it is as well to be prepared in case the owner should have removed them." "Shall I take my weapons, sir ?" "We can take our dirks in our belts, sergeant, and lash our swords to the wooden lever, but I do not think we shall have any fighting.

The night will be dark, and the Spaniards, believing that we have no boats, will not keep a very strict watch.

The worst part of the business is the swim across the river, the water will be bitterly cold; but as you and I have often swum Scotch burns when they were swollen by the melting snow I think that we may well manage to get across this sluggish stream." "At what time will we be starting, sir ?" "Be here at the edge of the river at six o'clock, sergeant.

I can get away at that time without exciting comment, and we will say nothing about it unless we succeed." Thinking it over, however, it occurred to Malcolm that by this means a day would be lost--and he knew how anxious the king was to press forward.

He therefore abandoned his idea of keeping his discovery secret, and going to his colonel reported that he had found a boat, and could bring it across from the other side by seven o'clock.
The news was so important that Munro at once went to the king.