“In either case,” said Pounder, “you want to get her for yourself, and do not care what becomes of the war.”
“Let us first make ourselves safe,” said Abroo, “and then talk of finding her. In this great Swamp with its endless entanglement of bushes, we could not find her any sooner than the Lali can find us; whereas if we save ourselves from the danger she describes, we must retreat farther at once.”
“I shall search for Sosee,” said Koree, “and will return to you only when I find her.”
So saying Koree left the rest of the Ammi and started back to find his beloved, taking several friends with him.
They were soon lost in the wilderness; but by the position of the sun they kept their steps bent in the direction of the Lali.
“There is only one course that she could take,” said he; “whether she go as a spy or to a lover, she will seek the Lali by the most direct route, and in either case I want her, and want her soon; so let us head her off.”
Swift then through the wilds they pressed back, pushing aside the bushes, wading in the marshes, jumping over fallen trees, and picking out a possible route through an almost impassable country. When they came to an open place, they reconnoitred. Now and then they met a serpent or alligator, and continually they feared more savage beasts, whose cries were heard around them.
“This is a terrible wilderness for Sosee to pass through,” observed Koree, “but if she is going to meet a rival, or betray the Ammi, I don’t know whether I want her to get through.”
“We will at least reach the Lali first,” said one of his companions.
“I am not sure of that,” replied Koree. “Sosee is swift of foot, and finds her way better than anyone I know.”