"This man is a puzzle," said the lieutenant. "One hour he is a
shivering cowardly slave, the next he plays the part of a hero; and now
he is like a clever household servant who does the best he can for
visitors in his master's absence. Why, Murray--Roberts--we never
expected such treatment as this."
"No, sir," said the two midshipmen together.
For Caesar had been bustling about, and one way and another had spread
quite a supper in the planter's little dining-room for the officers, and
afterwards supplied the men in one of the back rooms with delicious
coffee and bread, to the great refreshment of the tired adventurers.
"What are you thinking about, Mr Murray?" said the lieutenant. "Come,
out with it, my lad;" for the middy had hesitated and turned red.
"I was only thinking, sir, that we ought to send a messenger to the
_Seafowl_."
"Humph! Strange, my lad. I have been thinking just the same, but I can
spare neither man nor boat, and I have come to the conclusion that if
Captain Kingsberry wants news he must send to us for it. What's that
you are muttering, Mr Roberts?--He will be angry?"
"I didn't say so aloud, sir," replied the lad.
"No, but you thought it, sir. Well, if he is he will soon be in a good
humour again when he finds how busy we have been and what we have made
out. Ah, here is our guide. Well, Caesar, what now?"
"Berry dark now, massa. Come see."
"Come and see in the dark?" said the lieutenant, who appeared to be in
the best of humours. "Well, what have you to show us?"
The three officers rose from the table and followed their guide out on
the platform, where he pointed to a ruddy glow which rose from beyond
the trees.
"Fire!" said Murray excitedly. "Can that be where the plantation house
lies, sir?"
"No, Mr Murray, I think not. But if it is I should not be surprised
if, taking advantage of their master's absence, the blacks have fired
his house to burn it down. Here, Caesar, are they burning the place?"
"No, massa," replied the black. "Massa bring all sailor. Come see."