For this reason I have timed our march that we should arrive on the night of this feast, which I know by the age of the moon, when, in the darkness, with God's help, perchance we may slip past Harmac, and at the first light find ourselves in the mouth of the road that runs up to Mur.

Moreover, I will give warning to my people, the Abati, that we are coming, so that they may be at hand to help us if there is need." "How ?" asked Orme.
"By firing the reeds"-- and he pointed to the dense masses of dead vegetation about--"as I arranged that I would do before we left Mur many months ago.

The Fung, if they see it, will think only that it is the work of some wandering fisherman." Orme shrugged his shoulders, saying: "Well, friend Shadrach, you know the place and these people, and I do not, so we must do what you tell us.

But I say at once that if, as I understand, yonder Fung will kill us if they can, to me your plan seems very dangerous." "It is dangerous," he answered, adding with a sneer, "but I thought that you men of England were not cowards." "Cowards! you son of a dog!" broke in Higgs in his high voice.

"How dare you talk to us like that?
You see this man here"-- and he pointed to Sergeant Quick, who, tall and upright, stood watching this scene grimly, and understanding most of what passed--"well, he is the lowest among us--a servant only" (here the Sergeant saluted), "but I tell you that there is more courage in his little finger than in your whole body, or in that of all the Abati people, so far as I can make out." Here the Sergeant saluted again, murmuring beneath his breath, "I hope so, sir.