“There you are, Mr Rob, sir.”
“No, no, Shaddy; that might have been dragged down by a puma or jaguar,” said Rob sadly.
“Then he must have carried a good sharp knife in his pocket, my lad,” replied the old hunter. “Look at this.”
He held up the end of the stem, for Rob to see that it had been divided by one clean chop with a big knife.
“Yes, of course. He must have been here,” cried Rob joyfully. “Now then, we must find his trail and follow it on.”
“We must make straight for camp, Mr Rob, sir,” replied Shaddy, “hoping to find him there, for in less than an hour’s time we shall have to feel our way.”
“Oh, Shaddy!”
“Must, sir, and you know it. We must try all we know to get back, and I tell you it’s as much as I can do to find the way there. I’m sure I can’t follow Mr Brazier’s trail.”
Rob looked at him sternly.
“Fact, sir. You know I’m doing my best.”