CHAPTER FOUR.
DOUBLE ALLOWANCE.
No time was lost in getting out of the mouth of the river, and as soon as the bustle and excitement of the start was over, we three were sent for to the cabin to relate our adventures to the captain, the first lieutenant being present to put in a word now and then.
"The brutes!" the captain kept on muttering from time to time, and Mr Reardon nodded and tightened his lips.
"Well, young gentlemen," he said, when Barkins, who as eldest had been spokesman, finished his recital, "I can do nothing.

If you had all three been brutally murdered, of course the Government could have made representations to the authorities, and your families would have secured compensation." We glanced at one another.
"But as, unfortunately--I mean fortunately--you have neither of you got a scratch, I can do nothing." "But they were so awfully savage with us, sir," said Smith.
"Yes, Mr Smith, so I suppose.

It is their nature; but we cannot punish an unknown mob.

We must try and administer the castigation vicariously." "Please, sir, I don't understand you," said Smith.

"Do you mean--" "Set a vicar to talk to them, Mr Smith?
No, I do not.