But hunger is an intruder whose importunities there is no denying for any length of time, and so it fell out that, in spite of their brave and manful efforts at keeping up each other's pluck and spirit, he gnawed at their vitals in a way which reduced not only their stamina, but their spirits.
"This is to be our prison," said Harry Girdwood gloomily; "I feared it would be."
"It is rather like the Lethe than anything else," said young Jack, pointing to the silent water below. "If we remain here long, we shall forget all that has gone before, you may be sure. This is the place to drive us out of our wits more than any spot we could imagine."
"Rather the Styx than the Lethe," said Harry; "banish all hope who enter here."
It was indeed a spot to evoke gloomy reflections, and the boys were in a frame of mind to indulge in such.
This place, they found, was fixed upon as the camp of the brigands, who had felt it imperative to change their headquarters, since they had positive proof that their old stronghold was known to their enemies.
Here they were not in danger of surprise, for their men commanded every outlet, and it must be a rare chance to take them by surprise.
Within a couple of hours of the arrival there of the two boy prisoners and their captors, the whole of the band sauntered down in twos and threes, until the vast host that they formed fairly amazed young Jack and his companion.
"Let us fix a sum on them," said Toro, "so that their parents and friends may release them if they wish."
This was approved of by one and all of his hearers.