"Where is that?" asked the men of each other.
"I'll guide you," said Edwin. "I'll show you the way."
"Not you," they answered simultaneously. "You just lie here and sleep in safety. Some of the other fellows will know. That will be all right."
As they laid him back on the blanket, Edwin saw in the dim, uncertain light the rough sleeve of a blue jacket.
"What! surprised to meet us here, my boy?" said the voice, which he now knew to be the captain's. "Though our feet were sore with dragging over the oyster-bed, we went back with Feltham's shepherds. When we saw your fire flash up against the night sky, says some of the fellows, 'That is a signal,' and off they went to see, and when they brought you into camp I knew you in a moment."
Edwin grasped the horny hand held out to him with a smile.
"Where is my horse?" he asked.
"Tethered outside; but there is not a bit of food to give him—no, not a single bite. But lie still and sleep and eat yourself, and in a few hours you will be all right."
When Edwin waked again it was daylight. A piece of camping-out bread and a cup of water stood beside him, but every man was gone.
He took the breakfast they had provided, and walked to the door of the tent eating his bread. There was no one in sight but Beauty, looking very wretched for want of food. Edwin broke the crumb from his piece of bread, and carried it to him.