"
Never another syllable did that officer say to the Commissioner, but
turned away to his men. The Commissioner buttoned his Diplomatic coat to
the chin, said, "Mr. Kitten, attend me!" gasped, half choked himself, and
took himself off.
It now fell very dark, indeed. I have seldom, if ever, seen it darker,
nor yet so dark. The moon was not due until one in the morning, and it
was but a little after nine when our men lay down where they were
mustered. It was pretended that they were to take a nap, but everybody
knew that no nap was to be got under the circumstances. Though all were
very quiet, there was a restlessness among the people; much what I have
seen among the people on a race-course, when the bell has rung for the
saddling for a great race with large stakes on it.
At ten, they put off; only one boat putting off at a time; another
following in five minutes; both then lying on their oars until another
followed. Ahead of all, paddling his own outlandish little canoe without
a sound, went the Sambo pilot, to take them safely outside the reef. No
light was shown but once, and that was in the commanding officer's own
hand. I lighted the dark lantern for him, and he took it from me when he
embarked.
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