“Yes; I see it. One moment till I focus the glass.”
The colonel held his little double glass to his eye, and then let his hand fall to his side in dismay on learning that the mischief was worse than he had anticipated, for there was another mule on the far slope; and just then John Manning came up with Perry from an expedition within the cave.
“Yes: what is it?” cried the colonel sharply.
“Sorry to have to report it, sir,” said Manning, in a low deep growl, “but the mules have strayed out in the night.”
“All?” said the colonel hoarsely. “Is there not one left?”
“No, sir; as far as I can make out, not one.”
The colonel’s brows knit, and he stood motionless for a few moments. Then without a word he walked right in to where it was quite dark.
“Light the lantern,” he said sharply, and in a few moments a match gleamed out, and the candle was soon after shedding its rays in all directions. But hardly had John Manning given a glance round, than he uttered a sharp ejaculation.
“What is it?” cried the colonel. “Can you see the rest of the mules?”
“No, sir.”