Brazier drew a long, deep breath.
“Whistle again, boy,” he said; but before Rob could obey there was another distant whistle, and on this being answered the signals went on from one to the other for quite half an hour, and at last there was a breaking and crashing noise, and Shaddy came within speaking distance.
“Hear that lion prowling about?” he shouted.
“Yes, several times.”
“Ah, I began to feel as if a gun would be handy. He came too close to be pleasant.”
“What have you found—the river?” cried Brazier.
“No, sir, not yet. I went far enough to be sure it ain’t that way.”
A few minutes later he forced his way to their side, looking hot and exhausted.
“Why didn’t you answer me when I whistled and shouted?” he cried.
“We did, Shaddy, every time we heard you.”