"Then tackle the western lot. We must thoroughly examine those caves he speaks of."
"Yes, the horses are in fine hard condition now; we will make a start as soon as Charlie comes back."
"We ought to go round by Hentig's grave and recover those papers."
"We have got our work cut out. Lucky we brought a good supply of rations."
The six niggers appeared to have settled down contentedly to await the return of Columbus. They were not at all intelligent, and both men failed in getting any further information from them.
"What's to become of these beggars when we leave?" said Brown. "We must take Columbus with us to show us the best road."
"There's plenty of game here, and up and down the water-course they will be able to earn an honest living," returned Morton. "There's not enough of them to resort to their cannibal practices again."
"I sha'n't be sorry when Charlie comes back; I am tired of doing nothing."
The time appointed for Charlie's return drew near without any sign of the three men. Morton watched the plain all day, finding it impossible to conceal his anxiety, and blaming himself for having allowed the boy to go.
At last, not long before sundown, a solitary figure was seen approaching. Morton eagerly snatched up the glasses.