_ CHAPTER FORTY FOUR. HOW CAPTAIN SMITHERS MADE PLANS
There was plenty to do to make the little fort secure, and well the men worked. Double their number would not have been too strong a garrison, for the Malays mustered thickly now on all sides, save that nearest the ship, whose heavy guns had taught them the risk of making any display of their presence.
Captain Smithers would have gladly joined forces with Lieutenant Johnson, but he was not surprised at his reply, and he could only condole with him in respect to the accident that had occurred to the steamer, one which would partly place it _hors de combat_ until some flood should cause a rise in the water of the river.
The men vied with each other in executing the orders that were given, and in a short time the mess-room and quarters were so strengthened that once within, the men felt that the only enemy they had to fear was fire, and that they hoped to avoid by means of their rifles, and, if needs be, their bayonets.
It was a terrible time for the women, many of whom had husbands with the expedition; but knowing as they did that the major's lady was in the same position as themselves, they tried hard to follow her calm and patient example.
It was only an outward calm though, for poor Mrs Major Sandars was suffering keenly, though she tried hard and successfully to speak words of comfort to Rachel Linton and her cousin, both of whom went about with her, talking to the soldiers' wives, and trying to amuse the children, who at times grew impatient at being forced to keep inside the walls of the barracks, the outer enclosure having been long declared unsafe.
Captain Smithers had sought the ladies, and spoken a few words of encouragement to them, gazing very hard at Miss Linton as he said,--
"You may rely upon us, Miss Linton. I would lay down my life sooner than harm should befall you."
"I am quite satisfied of that, Captain Smithers," said the lady, quietly. "I believe that of the meanest man here. In the meantime, I presume that you would like us all to keep within the walls."
"Yes, if you please, Miss Linton," said the young officer, coldly; and then, as he walked away, he muttered, "Yes, she believes that of the meanest soldier, and thinks as much of him as of me."
He walked across the open space to the lines where the men were placed, the intention being to hold them for the time, and if hard pressed, to retire within the barracks and there make their stand.
As he went to the nearest point a bullet whizzed by him, sufficiently near to show him that the Malays had not only good weapons among them, but men who could shoot straight; and he frowned as he felt that their chance would be but small if under some clever leader the Malays should make a bold effort to take the place.
On reaching the earth-works that surrounded the enclosure, every man was in his place, silent and watchful. The order had been given that no one was to fire except to check an advance, for though ammunition was abundant, Captain Smithers felt that it was impossible to tell how long they might be besieged, so he determined to economise as much as possible. Consequently, firing from the fort was only at intervals, and as the Malays relied principally upon their spears, the ball was not kept up with anything like vigour; but, all the same, certain movements on the part of the enemy warned the temporary commandant to be careful, as it would be craft, more than open assault, with which he would have to deal.
After completing his round and saying a few words to the men, he stood thinking on the side nearest the river, from which he was only separated by a space of about forty yards, and he could not help thinking how their position would be strengthened if the steamer could be got off and moored here, a trench being opened from stem and stern to connect it with the fort. This would be giving the latter a most powerful river front. Dullah's hut, which stood there, could easily be razed, and he knew that the water was deeper there than at any part of the river-- quite sufficient to float the steamer.
It seemed a risky thing to do--to send again; but he felt that he ought to apprise Lieutenant Johnson of his ideas, and to request him to use every effort to get the steamer off.
"As if he would not do that for his own sake," he muttered directly after; and then he began to consider whom he should send.
Adam Gray immediately suggested himself to his mind, and his brow knitted as he felt that it was like trying to get rid of a man he disliked.
"He is the most trustworthy, and the best suited for the task," he said directly; and as the words left his lips he raised his eyes, and saw the object of his thoughts come with a dozen more men to relieve the party nearer him.
"Fall out, Gray," he said sharply; and Gray looked at him curiously as he stepped back out of the ranks.
"I want a message conveyed on board the steamer, Gray," said Captain Smithers. "She lies about fifty yards off the other side of the island, aground on the mud. Do you think you can reach her?"
"I shall do my best, sir," said Gray, quietly. "If I do not succeed, you will know it is because I am down."
"But you must not go down, Gray," said Captain Smithers, hastily. "You cannot be spared. This is a most important duty, and that is why I send you."
The private's eyes were fixed on those of his captain most searchingly, and the latter lowered his own before those of his inferior.
"I shall give you no written message, for fear that you may be taken, Gray," said Captain Smithers, hastily. "Take this verbal message, 'Captain Smithers begs, for the sake of all, that Lieutenant Johnson will strive to get the steamer off, and bring her round here, to moor her close up to the bank, alongside of Dullah's hut.' Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," said Gray, and he repeated the words.
"That will do. Now go."
"At once, sir?"
"At once."
Gray saluted, and with his teeth pressing his lip started off upon another risky mission.
He met Ensign Long as he went back to the quarters, and on being questioned, he questioned in return, and obtained a few particulars, enough to make him determine to make his way up towards the head of the island, and there swim off, to try and get himself swept down to the steamer, hoping to be seen and get on board without mishap, and in this spirit, arming himself once more as on his former expedition, he set off. _