“Mind your own business!” cried my guardian.
“This is my business. We’ve done enough in stealing the diamonds without leaving the boy to die here.”
“He’s all right,” was the reply. “Come on. We have lost too much time already.”
And the three men hurried off, leaving me to my fate.
CHAPTER XXIV.
IN THE WOODS.
For several minutes I heard the footsteps of the trio as they made their way towards the shore; then all became silent, and I realized that I was alone.
It was intensely dark, the heavy branches overhead completely shutting out every bit of light that the night might have otherwise afforded.
I do not claim to be over brave, and the darkness and the loneliness of my position sent a shiver through my frame. How long must I remain in that dismal spot?
I tried to move my hands and my feet, but all appeared to be as fast as if bound with iron. Yates had done his work well, and I was, beyond a doubt, a close prisoner.