“Dunno, but you might say something. They’ve tied me so tight that the ropes cut right down to the bone.”
“So they have me, and it hurts horribly.”
“Can’t hurt you so much as it does me. Pretty sort of chap you were to keep watch, and let them jump on us like that.”
“Pretty sort of fellow you were to go to sleep,” I returned, bitterly.
“Didn’t go to sleep,” grumbled Esau. “Only shut my eyes for a moment.”
“There, don’t make paltry excuses,” I said, angrily.
“Dare say you two was asleep too,” he said, sulkily. “I say, have they killed poor old Gunson?”
“Don’t—don’t—don’t!” I whispered, piteously; and in spite of the pain it gave me, I rolled myself over and struggled along, till at last, after a terrible struggle, I reached Gunson’s side.
“Mr Gunson,” I said; “Mr Gunson, pray, pray speak.”
He uttered a low groan, and it sent a thrill of joy through me.