his, but there was no sound of human
voice, only the shrieking of parrots and chattering of monkeys.

Shaddy shouted again, with the result that he startled a flock of birds
which were about to settle, but rose again noisily.

They all shouted together then, but there was no response, and feeling
that their efforts were useless, they went on a short distance, and
tried once more without result.

"He'd have answered if he had been anywhere near, sir," said Shaddy
gloomily. "I'll go on if you like, but take my word for it he ain't
here."

Rob looked at both despairingly, but he was obliged to take the guide's
words for those of truth, and, feeling utterly crushed, he slowly
followed the others as they began to return, feeling the while that if
it had not been for the edge of the water by which they walked it would
have been impossible to find their way back through the dense
wilderness.

Their guide returned by their outward steps as accurately as he could,
but it was not always possible, for in coming out the bushes had been
forced on in the same direction and then sprung back together, after the
fashion of the withes in a fish-trap, and presenting their points,
thorns, and broken stems in a perfect _chevaux de frise_.

In these cases Shaddy had to select a different path, the exigencies of
the way forcing him more inland, and at last, in spite of his
experience, he stopped short, looked about him and then upwards, seeking
to make out the sky, but it was completely shut off, and they stood in a
twilight gloom.

"What's the matter, Shaddy?" said Rob at last, after looking at the
man's actions wonderingly; but there was no reply.

"For goodness sake, man, don't say that you have lost your way," cried
Brazier excitedly.

Shaddy still remained silent, and took off his hat to scratch his head.

"Do you hear me, man? Have you lost your way?"

"Don't see as there's any way to lose," growled Shaddy. "I ain't seen
no path. But I have gone a bit wrong."

"Here, let me--" began Brazier, but Shaddy interrupted him.

"Steady, sir, please! Don't wherrit me. I shall hit it off directly.
You two gents stand just as you are, and don't move. Don't even turn
round, or else you'll throw me wrong worse than I am. You see, the
place is all alike, and nothing to guide you. One can't tell which way
to turn."

"But tell me," said Brazier, "what are you going to do?"

"There's only one thing to do, sir: find the river,