“What are we going to do when it’s dark, sir?” said Peter. “Well, I’ve been a-thinking of that—not like you have.”
“How do you know what I’ve been thinking?” asked Archie sharply.
“Well, I ain’t sure, of course, sir, but I should think you are wondering what we should do if we come across a tiger. It strikes me that we needn’t mind that—at least, not in front, for Mr Stripes wouldn’t face these ’ere two great tusks. One of them would go through him like a shot. What I’m thinking of is the making of a halt, first clearing we come to. But if we do, who’s going to tie up Rajah so that he sha’n’t go back? He might take it into his head to stop by the river-side for some water, but it strikes me, sir, that as soon as we got off he’d go back to the old stable to see if he couldn’t find something to eat and drink.”
“Hush, Pete!” cried Archie excitedly.
“What for, sir? Afraid he will understand what we are saying?”
“Hush, I say!”
“All right, sir,” said Peter, speaking in a whisper. “But he does keep cocking up his ears and listening.”
“Yes,” said Archie; “I was in doubt before, but I am sure now. It’s some one keeps on hailing us from behind. Drive him on faster, for I am sure we are pursued.”
“What! make him gallop, sir? Why, it would chuck you off directly.”
“No; I think I could keep on. We must try and leave whoever it is behind. I couldn’t bear for us to be taken again.”