y some
day make his escape, and when we told him that he should have the
promised reward notwithstanding the failure of the expedition, he was
evidently highly satisfied.

There was no time to be lost, as we wished to put as great a distance as
possible between ourselves and the villagers before they discovered that
we had begun to retreat. We had the advantage of knowing the way and of
a beaten track to traverse. Our loads, too, were lightened somewhat by
the presents we had sent; at the same time Uncle Jack thought it would
be imprudent to throw the remainder away, lest they should fall into the
hands of our pursuers, who would consequently be less likely to come to
terms with us, should we be overtaken. It was dark when we reached our
camping-place. As our guide undertook to lead us back to our boat
during the night, we continued our journey without waiting to rest. We
could see the stars through the opening of the forest, and we knew that
we were going in the right direction. Without our native guide,
however, we could not have ventured to make the attempt. With due
thankfulness we at length caught sight of the ocean, on which the light
from a crescent moon was glittering brightly.

Our boat was safe, but it was a question whether we should launch her at
once, or remain on shore until the following morning. As we were all
pretty well tired, Uncle Jack determined on turning her bottom up, so
that we might sleep beneath her while one of us kept watch in case any
natives should approach. We dragged her out from among the bushes,
therefore, down to the beach, just above high water mark, so that we
might be able to put off quickly should it become necessary. Of course
we could think and talk only of one subject. What had become of my
father?

We must of course continue our search for him, and we all hoped that,
unless he had escaped on board some passing vessel, which was not at all
likely, he would not be far off.

It was arranged that Blyth should keep the first watch, Uncle Jack the
second, and I the third.

I never slept more soundly in my life, as I was very tired with our long
tramp, for it seemed but a moment after I lay down before I was aroused
by my uncle giving me a pull by the leg I crept out from under the boat,
and shouldering my musket began to pace up and down close to the boat to
keep myself awake, while my uncle took my place.

The stars were shining brightly, and a light wind rustled