“And that’s how I’m trying to work for you, Mr Brazier, sir,” said Shaddy huskily, “and it goes hard with me to tell you what I’m ’fraid on.”
“And that is?” said Brazier, while Rob bent forward listening with throbbing heart.
“Either those lads of mine have met with a bad accident, or they have gone off with the boat and left us to starve and die.”
“Taken—the boat—the stores—the guns?” faltered Rob.
“My collection and the means of prosecuting my researches?” cried Brazier.
“Yes, sir; that’s it, I’m afraid, but I hope I’m wrong.”
The two collectors stood silent for a few moments, for the announcement was appalling, and it took time to grasp all the horrors of their position. For to all intents and purposes they were as much cut off from help as if they had been upon some tiny islet in mid-ocean, the river being useless without a boat, and three days’ experience alone sufficient to show them the madness of attempting to travel through the forest. In addition they were without food and wanting in the means of obtaining a meal, let alone subsistence from day to day.
Silence then, and with it darkness, fell upon the startled group, till Rob said sturdily,—
“We’re all too tired to do anything or think anything till we have rested and had some food. I’m ready to drop.”
“Them’s wise words,” said Shaddy. “No one could have said better. This way, gen’lemen, please!”