The journey was performed in absolute silence, till suddenly the native stopped short, and, facing round, he exclaimed, as if he had at length found out the object in view:
“You go tell at Moa’s Nest men come?”
Bray nodded.
“You think they come Moa’s Nest?” queried the savage.
Bray nodded again.
“Wahika fetch tribe—go to pah;” and he made a movement as if to return.
But Bray pointed forward; and, in obedience, the man led on.
Twice over Bray stopped, panting, thinking that they had reached the summit of the ridge; but there were still higher crags to climb; and on they slowly made their way, often along the edges of dangerous chasms—places where in calmer moments he dare not have set his foot; but, with thoughts concentrated upon his object, he pressed on.
If he could but save Katie, he would be content; and then thought after thought crowded through his brain—thoughts that at another time he would have shuddered at; but now, in this time of temptation, they found a home.
“Hah!” ejaculated the guide suddenly, as he helped his companion to the top of a huge mass of vine-clad rock.