“Of course,” said Oliver, quietly. “Next time draw back so that they can’t see you, and come and tell us quietly.”
“Right, sir, if you think that’s the best way, only t’other takes least time. They might be gone before I could get to you and back again.”
“Perhaps so; but you see they are sure to be gone if you shout.”
The deer were missed; but a couple of bush turkey were soon after secured, and followed by the successful stalk of a wire-tailed bird of Paradise and a couple of gorgeously plumaged paroquets. Then followed the capture of beetles in armour of violet, green and gold, a couple of metallic-looking lizards, and a snake that seemed particularly venomous, but proved to be of quite a harmless nature.
So interesting was the walk that, in spite of the heat, no one felt tired, and they wandered on and on, forgetful of time or distance. The part traversed was perfectly new to them all, and when, at last, they had been walking for a couple of hours, and with one consent sat down to rest and partake of the lunch provided for the occasion, it was felt that, though they could not see it, they must be near to the sea on that side; so after a brief halt it was decided to push on along the side of the opening for another half-hour, and try whether they could reach the coast.
“But it’s for you to decide,” said Drew.
“It ain’t far, sir,” interposed Wriggs.
“Let us decide, please,” said Drew, rather stiffly.
“Certeny, sir.”
“But what makes you think we are so near the coast?” said Oliver. “It is so flat we can see nothing.”