Their path took them by the dead bear, whose paws were bound together with twigs, and a freshly-cut pole was thrust through, showing how the trophy had been borne so far. The next minute the pair were steadily climbing again, and finding by degrees that, though the slope increased, the way was less cumbered with dense growth, so that the advance was easier; while as the sun sank lower a gentle breeze sprang up to refresh them, making Gedge stretch out and increase the pace, in spite of the path growing more steep.
“Don’t think they’re after us—do you, sir?” said the lad at last, as they trudged on, watching the gradual ascent of a shadow on one of the hills in front.
“No; I think we succeeded in our scare.”
“Because it makes a lot o’ difference, sir.”
“I don’t understand you,” said Bracy.
“We’ve a lot to do to-morrow, sir; and while it’s dark I s’pose you’ll bivvywack.”
“I shall keep on till it’s too dark to see, my lad,” said Bracy, “and then we must sleep till it is light enough to see, and go on again. I want to get twenty-four hours’ walking between us and the fort.”
“Exactly, sir. Be safer then.”
“Perhaps,” said Bracy, smiling grimly.
“O’ course, sir,” said Gedge sharply; “but I was thinking about to-night. Is it to be watch and watch, sir—one on dooty, t’other off.”