There was reason in this question, and George added:
“We may need it, but you run a great risk in going back. They may be there, and you must take great care that you are not seen.”
“Yah, yah, won’t see much ob me—dark a colored man as I am, on such a dark night, ain’t apt to be generally visible, an’ what dey can see ob me, dey’re welcome to see.”
But Jim promised extra caution, and started on the back track. The trouble was that he was in a great hurry; for, by this time, the night was well advanced, and he was desirous of securing his usual allowance of sleep. It was not such a difficult matter for him to make his way, as he had become pretty well acquainted with the ground, and the rippling brook was an infallible guide, if he were dubious for a single moment.
It seemed a long time before he came upon the dull embers of the fire, which were smouldering so low as to be hardly visible at any distance; but fortunately, Jim discovered it while several rods distant.
At this instant, he recalled that he had promised his young friend to be careful, and he therefore hesitated and took a survey as well as he could under the circumstances. Nothing was seen to arouse suspicion, and he was about to advance, when the embers assumed a glow so sudden and bright as to startle and alarm him.
Stepping back, he watched it intently, and, a moment later, saw a shadowy form pass in front of it, and then two others, although neither of them was heard to speak a word.
“So you’re dere, be you?” muttered Jim, as he sank down to the earth to watch his opportunity; “but you don’t find us, an’ don’t see noffin’ ob de gold.”
Prudence would have dictated to the negro to withdraw from the presence of such danger; but he placed too great a value upon his rifle to allow it to leave his hands in this unquestioned manner. He remembered while they were busy making their preparations, that he had laid it down to one side; where, as yet, Mr. Muffin and his friends had seen nothing of it.
Jim was several yards from the brook, where he could hear any words spoken. By-and-bye one of the men seemed to become very impatient, and, with a profane expletive, said: