“Yes,” said Rob, reproach sounding in his tones; but he could not help feeling that he was a little unjust, as he tramped steadily on behind his companion, who was very silent for some time, working hard to make his way as near as possible along the track by which they had come.
Rob was just thinking that from the tone of the gloom around him the sun must be very low, when Shaddy turned his head for a moment.
“Don’t think you could find your way, do you, Mr Rob?”
“I’m sure I couldn’t,” was the reply.
“So am I, my lad.”
“But you have it all right?”
“Sometimes, my lad; and sometimes I keep on losing it, and have to make a bit of a cast about to pick it up again. We’re going right, my lad, so don’t be down-hearted. Let’s hope Mr Brazier is precious anxious and hungry, waiting for us to come to him.”
“I hope so, Shaddy.”
“But you don’t think so, my lad.”
Rob shook his head.