"It is the plan," said Muata.
"What!" cried Compton, "would you run away from these swabs without firing a shot? What do you say, Venning?"
"I am willing to listen to all sides," said Venning, judiciously.
"We must not fire a shot,"' said the hunter, with decision; "we must withdraw without Hassan knowing of our presence. If they learnt we were hereabouts, they would be on their guard, and, having the 'legs' of us by reason of their canoes, and the advantage by reason of their numbers, they would push on, and arrive at the hiding-place before us. If they do not suspect our presence, they will take matters easy, and give us time."
"But what of Muata's mother?"
"That is the chief's matter," said Muata.
"And what of the Okapi?" asked Venning. "This is my word. You will go back in the morning," said the chief, "marching quickly; and when you have found the shining canoe, you will move fast up the river to the place where the first little river from the forest joins it on the right bank. There you will find me."
"And if we don't find you?"
"Haw! What Muata says, that he will do."
"And how are we to find our way back through the woods?"