"There are crocodiles in this part of the river?"
"Yes, sir, waiting to take them two poor things under. Both pretty, sir, and don't look sixteen."
"Listen, then. If I give the word, dare you swim to our boat and cut it loose?"
"No, sir."
"What?"
"Don't dare, sir, because of them great ugly efts; but you're my officer, sir; just you order me to, and I'm blessed if I don't try."
"Good words, matey," said Joe huskily. "If you don't, I will."
"Then if it comes to the worst, and I say, 'In the Queen's name,' dash in, cut the rope, and bring the boat ashore. Open your knife in your pocket now."
"'Tis open, sir—'case I wanted to stick it into one of these brutes o' niggers."
"Good. Wait till the people are watching those women, and slip the revolver into my hand."