But none came, the lesson given by Captain Norton quelling all present desire for a closer acquaintance with the firearms; and soon after daybreak they were once more in motion, the leader retracing the way taken by his friends in their attempted escape till they were close up to the cinchona camp, which they found deserted.
A long halt was necessary here on account of the injured party, but two days later they were on their way again, after a long consultation between Colonel Campion and their friends.
“Did you hear what was said?” asked Perry, as he and Cyril rode side by side wherever the track would allow.
“Yes, everything; your father wanted to stay here for a bit and make an expedition or two in search of the Indians, so as to try and recover the baggage and mules.”
“Of course,” said Perry. “It’s horrible to go back like this, regularly beaten. But they wouldn’t?”
“No: my father said he was willing, but the rest would not. They said they had come to help to save all our lives, and bring me back, but they were not going to risk their own any more to satisfy—”
“Well, satisfy what?” said Perry, for his companion checked himself.
“Like to know?”
“Of course.”
“Satisfy your father’s mad-brained ideas.”