Chapter Thirty Two.
How we heard a Black Discussion and did not understand.
The rescue party consisted of the doctor, Ti-hi, and myself, with Jimmy for guide. Jack Penny was to take command of the cave, and be ready to defend it and help us if attacked or we were pursued. At the same time he was to have the bearers and everything in readiness for an immediate start, in case we decided to continue our flight.
“I think that’s all we can say, Penny,” said the doctor in a low grave voice, as we stood ready to start. “Everything must depend on the prisoners. Now be firm and watchful. Good-bye.”
“I sha’n’t go to sleep,” said Jack Penny. “I say, though, hadn’t you better take Gyp?”
“Yes, yes; take Gyp!” I said; “he knows the way so well.”
“Jimmy know a way so well, too!” said the black. “No take a dog—Gyp!”
But we decided to take the dog, and creeping down into the bed of the rivulet we stood in the darkness listening, shut-in, as it were, by the deep silence.
“Forward, Jimmy!” said the doctor, and his voice sounded hollow and strange.