Their guide returned by their outward steps as accurately as he could, but it was not always possible, for in coming out the bushes had been forced on in the same direction and then sprung back together, after the fashion of the withes in a fish-trap, and presenting their points, thorns, and broken stems in a perfect chevaux de frise.
In these cases Shaddy had to select a different path, the exigencies of the way forcing him more inland, and at last, in spite of his experience, he stopped short, looked about him and then upwards, seeking to make out the sky, but it was completely shut off, and they stood in a twilight gloom.
“What’s the matter, Shaddy?” said Rob at last, after looking at the man’s actions wonderingly; but there was no reply.
“For goodness sake, man, don’t say that you have lost your way,” cried Brazier excitedly.
Shaddy still remained silent, and took off his hat to scratch his head.
“Do you hear me, man? Have you lost your way?”
“Don’t see as there’s any way to lose,” growled Shaddy. “I ain’t seen no path. But I have gone a bit wrong.”
“Here, let me—” began Brazier, but Shaddy interrupted him.
“Steady, sir, please! Don’t wherrit me. I shall hit it off directly. You two gents stand just as you are, and don’t move. Don’t even turn round, or else you’ll throw me wrong worse than I am. You see, the place is all alike, and nothing to guide you. One can’t tell which way to turn.”
“But tell me,” said Brazier, “what are you going to do?”