Page:The Catalpa Expedition (1897).djvu/149

Rh "Now, this is the place," said Mr. Breslin, "where we propose to bring the men, and where we expect you to meet us with a boat."

Captain Anthony stuck up an old piece of joist or rail in the sand above high-water mark.

"Let it be understood that this is the place where I will meet you with my boat if God spares my life," said the captain.

The four men then drove back to the hotel at Rockingham, where they rested, for the day had been intensely hot, and men and horses were thoroughly fatigued. That evening they arranged a code of cipher for telegraphing. Breslin was to notify Captain Anthony at Bunbury when the gunboat left Freemantle, and the captain was to telegraph back the hour of sailing. Forty-eight hours from the time when the telegram was sent. Captain Anthony was to have the Catalpa off the coast at Rockingham and his boat on the beach.

This was leaving much to chance, of course. Rockingham was a hundred miles from Bunbury, and head winds, bad weather, or calms might prevent the Catalpa from covering the distance within that time. But it was indeed a desperate undertaking; the men had resolved to take desperate chances and trust the luck which had thus far attended the expedition.

The telegraphic code was arranged as follows: When the gunboat sailed, Breslin was to send the message, "Your friend (N. or S. meaning north or south) has gone home. When do you sail?" This