“Shooting at them would be the best thing,” said Wilton.
“It’s a thousand to one against their finding the beasts here,” said Griggs, “even if they did happen to come. But we’ve got to chance it, sir. Everything’s gone right so far, and let’s hope we shall keep on the same track.”
“I hope so,” replied the doctor. “Then now we have nothing to do but get back to the narrow gateway.”
“The sooner the better, sir, for the night’s wearing away fast.”
“But ought we, after all, to leave one of us in charge of the beasts here?”
“No, sir,” said Griggs sharply. “You’ll want all your strength after I’ve passed, to tumble down the rocks. The more the better. It mustn’t be half done.”
“No,” said the doctor gravely. “The entrance must be well blocked. All ready?”
“Yes,” came in a whisper.
“Back, then, at once. Griggs will lead, and all keep in touch, and observe perfect silence.”
The distance seemed to have doubled before they got to the descent, and this slope to be three times as long, as they tramped slowly down into the gulch, where the doctor called a halt once more.