The two men were startled when they found me standing silently before them. In the dim light of a nut-oil lamp I saw Rawley's face blanch, and I wondered how he would bear the ordeal fronting him outside the valley.
After instructing him as to the sending out of the young men, I informed him that the king was nearly ready for a man, and added that Rawley would be acceptable. Mr. Vancouver was disappointed that he himself could not go, but cheerfully said:
"Certainly. Mr. Rawley will be glad to go."
I enjoyed the young man's dismay. Not so Mr. Vancouver.
"Why, man, it's the opportunity of a lifetime!" he declared to Rawley. "There's no danger. The king will furnish a safe-conduct--won't he?" he added, turning to me.
"I suppose so. Your friend couldn't find the way otherwise."
"Of course! Brace up, Rawley, and thank your stars for your good fortune. You'll have important things to tell me when you return." For all his cheering manner, Mr. Vancouver could not conceal his contempt. To me he said: "Give the king my thanks. Tell him that his kind offer is gratefully accepted, and that Mr. Rawley will be ready at any time."
"Very well," he faintly said; "I'll have to go, I suppose, but who knows what is really to be done with me? I don't------" With a gesture Mr. Vancouver stopped the indiscreet speech.
"Give the king my message of thanks and grateful acceptance," he snapped out in his old business-like way. "Mr. Rawley will go whenever he is summoned."
I bowed, and turned to leave, but found Annabel blocking the door. Her eyes were wide with surprise. She had never before seen natives near the camp at night, and never one alone. With unexpected firmness she refused to let me pass.
"Father, Mr. Rawley, what does this mean? Where is Mr. Rawley going?"
The men sat dumb. Annabel's instinct told her that treachery was in the air.
"Does Captain Mason know about this?" she asked.
Mr. Vancouver was the first to recover, but he underestimated his daughter's shrewdness.
"Not so loud, daughter. It is all right. Let the man pass. I'll explain."
Among Annabel's charms was a certain rashness. Here she stood between affection and duty, and it would be interesting to observe the outcome. I was glad that she continued to bar my escape.