Still, I hope we shall go up; and I think that we shall do so, for it will be the Captain's report that will help the authorities to decide whether to appoint a Resident there or not." A fortnight later a small dispatch boat steamed in and the news soon spread through the ship that the Serpent was to ascend the river on the following day.

All was at once bustle and animation.

Sailors like anything for a change, and all were impatient at the long delay that had occurred..