"When did Amos leave here?" he asked, turning again to Forsyth.
"Last night."
"Did he say anything before he went?"
"Yes, he was so gracious as to tell us we could die where he had left us. As for himself, he was going back into the forest to find native porters to carry the gold away."
"Just as we thought!" said Bannister. "Rushby was in the right."
And, thereupon, our attention was immediately attracted by the strange conduct of Joshua Trust, who looked up at the little patch of blue sky just visible between the overhanging branches of the trees, clenched both his fists in an amazing burst of passion, and shook them above his head.
"He shall pay for this!" he cried, with an oath that can never be repeated. "And I have served him faithfully for years! He has gone back upon me, when he saw that he had gained everything he wanted! By thunder, he shall pay for it!"
Bannister looked at him, and smiled.
"Have more sense, man," said he. "What use is all this anger? Amos Baverstock is mad."
"Mad or sane," cried Trust, "he shall answer for what he has done. Come, tell me, what's the time?"