He turned sharply round and led them toward the side of the opening in the forest which had been the scene of his search.
“What are you going to do, Naylor?” asked Brazier.
“What every man does first, sir, when night comes on in the wilds: light a fire to keep off the wild beasts.”
A thrill of dread passed through Rob at this, for he had been too intent upon the discovery they had made to think anything of their danger. But now he glanced uneasily round, and saw the eyes of wild beasts glaring at them from the dense forest in all directions, till he was ready to laugh at his folly, for the gleaming eyes were fire-flies.
Meanwhile Shaddy led them straight to the spot he had notified as being the one likely to be selected by a halting party for their fire, and here, with the help of the others, sufficient dead wood was collected to start a very small blaze, by whose light they proceeded to collect more and more from the edge of the forest beyond where the river had risen. But it was slow and arduous work for weary people, and they were constantly finding wood that was too small or else that which was too heavy to stir. Still they persevered, and at last so good a fire was burning that there was no fear of an attack by any prowling beast, and as its flames rose higher their task grew less difficult, and by joining hands a good pile of dead limbs was laid ready for keeping up the blaze.
“Something cheery ’bout a fire!” said Shaddy when it was decided that they had enough wood to last the night. “Next thing ought to be supper, gentlemen.”
“And we have nothing,” said Rob despairingly.
“On’y water,” said Shaddy, “plenty of that.”
“Qui dort dine, Rob,” said Brazier quietly.
“Speak to me, sir?” said Shaddy.