The boy took hold tightly of the sharp-edged buttress-like root upon which his hands had rested, and exerting the little strength that he had gained, he drew himself up erect, and then with everything swimming round, he reeled away from his support and would have fallen heavily but for the way in which Dean snatched at him, and yet, in spite of a quick effort on the boy’s part, the pair fell heavily down amongst the bushes.
“It’s of no use, Mark; you are too weak and helpless. We must go on camping here for the present.”
“You are quite right,” said Mark sadly, “I am as weak as a child; but we have to go.”
“But you can’t,” cried Dean angrily.
“I must, and I will,” cried Mark, with fierce determination. “And promise me this—”
“Promise you what?” said Dean, for his cousin ceased speaking.
“This,” he cried again, with passionate energy. “The others will talk about giving up now and saving ourselves, but whatever I say you must support me. Promise me you will.”
“That I will.”
“Oh, here you are then, gentlemen,” cried Dan forcing his way in to where the two lads were standing. “Ahoy! Buck! Heave ahead! Here they are! Why, we have been hunting for you everywhere, gents. You must be better, Mr Mark.”
“Ay, that’s so,” cried Buck, coming up; “but I don’t believe we should have found you if it hadn’t been for these ’ere two. I believe little Pig here sniffed you out all the way. Aren’t you tired?”