"That's the right form, Rob," said Beecher huskily. "You must do the talking, then. They'll be afraid of you."
"All right; only stand by me and tell me what to say."
"A kreasy boat in front, and a kreasy boat behind, and six of these here smudgy beggars waiting to cut our throats. Joey, this is coming out for a day's pleasure!" whispered Jerry. "I say, are you awake now?"
"Never more wide in my life, lad. All right: never say die. Form square."
CHAPTER IV
Hollins's man supplemented his muttered command "Form square!" with a sharp double click made by the lock of the pistol he held with one hand in his breast, and this sound gave the final touch to his master's rousing up to act with decision in what was evidently a very critical case.
The next moment Beecher glanced at his friend admiringly, for, to use his own words, "Rob was all there," and the calm British officer was speaking.
"Keep that pistol quiet and out of sight, sir," he said sharply. "Sit down both of you."
And as his order was promptly obeyed he turned to Beecher.
"Throw your gun in the hollow of your arm, old lad," he said softly. "We're out shooting. I think I shall know what to say."