CHAPTER XII.
IN THE AMATOLAS.
The corporal had already spread the news among the men of Ronald's intended enterprise, and they gave him a hearty cheer as he rode off. Mr. Nolan had advised him to keep the native who was going to fetch his horse back.
"You won't want to walk into King Williamstown in that guise," he said; "therefore you had best put your uniform into the valise, and tell the man to meet you at any point you like—I should say the nearer to the bush the better; for if you succeed in getting the young lady out of these rascals' clutches you may be pursued, and, if your horse is handy, may succeed in getting her away, when you would otherwise be soon overtaken."
Ronald thankfully accepted the suggestion, for he saw that it might indeed be of vital importance to him to have his horse ready at hand.
With a last wave of his hand he rode off, the chief and his six companions trotting alongside.
The sun had set an hour when they reached the spot at which the chief had directed his two followers to meet him. They had not yet arrived.
"Do you think they will be sure to be able to find the place?" Ronald asked the chief.
"A Fingo never loses his way," the chief replied. "Find his way in dark, all same as day."