And
because it was considered that the friendly Sambos would only want to be
commanded in case of any danger (though none at all was apprehended
there), the officers were in favour of leaving the two non-commissioned
officers, Drooce and Charker. It was a heavy disappointment to them,
just as my being one of the left was a heavy disappointment to me--then,
but not soon afterwards. We men drew lots for it, and I drew "Island."
So did Tom Packer. So of course, did four more of our rank and file.
When this was settled, verbal instructions were given to all hands to
keep the intended expedition secret, in order that the women and children
might not be alarmed, or the expedition put in a difficulty by more
volunteers. The assembly was to be on that same spot at sunset. Every
man was to keep up an appearance, meanwhile, of occupying himself in his
usual way. That is to say, every man excepting four old trusty seamen,
who were appointed, with an officer, to see to the arms and ammunition,
and to muffle the rullocks of the boats, and to make everything as trim
and swift and silent as it could be made.
The Sambo Pilot had been present all the while, in case of his being
wanted, and had said to the officer in command, five hundred times over
if he had said it once, that Christian George King would stay with the So-
Jeers, and take care of the booffer ladies and the booffer childs--booffer
being that native's expression for beautiful.
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