“Let us get out, then,” said Webster; “but it is a mystery to me why we should have entered a place which is now considered to be a trap.”
“It is no use discussing the matter; let us quickly get our traps together;” and suiting the action to the word, Hume rolled up his blanket. Luckily the bundles containing the kits were still intact.
Soon they were all ready, and then they followed Hume deeper into the reeds, until one of the numerous game tracks was crossed, upon which they followed it to the edge, coming out about two hundred yards below the spot where they entered. Then, treading softly to leave no spoor, they advanced for a considerable distance, when the pace was quickened up the rising and rock-strewn ground. And now they were out in the open they heard, unmistakably, the murmur of many voices, and caught, afar off, on the edge of the reeds, the reflection of fires. Their fears at once saw enemies seated about those fires, and gave them energy to pursue their way. Gradually the ground grew rougher, the incline more steep; but Sirayo unerringly kept to a ridge that wound tortuously up among valleys whose growing depth could only be felt. Up and up they went doggedly, with bodies bent forward to the incline, and the two friends took Laura each by an arm, and always spurring them on came the faint echo of that deep-throated war-chant.
“I can go no further,” said Laura presently, with her hand to her side.
“Rest awhile,” said Hume gently; and she sank to the ground, while the men stood near drawing deep breaths.
“The sun is soon up,” said Sirayo, “and the watchers on the mountain will see us.”
Webster thrust his gun into Hume’s hands, and, picking her up, went staggering on a few ineffectual yards.
“Thank you,” she said, as she sank to the ground, and at the words Hume recalled the stinging rebuff he had received when he had lifted her in his arms on the Swift. Time and the alarms of many dangers had since then tamed her spirit to indifference as to the degree of respect due to her, and she would not have revolted had the Gaika carried her; but Hume read in her thanks a deeper meaning.
“The horizon on the east is brightening, and in an hour there will be light. Let us find shelter, and rest the day,” he said.
“Go on,” she said; “but as for me, I will stay here.”