The camp rested at the entrance of a wild gully, a view of which could be had, darkling away towards the east, from the hill on which the three friends now found themselves.
Presently Rupert spoke.
“Archie,” he said, “in this land of contrarieties does the moon sometimes rise in the south?”
“Not quite,” replied Archie.
“Look, then. What is that reflection over yonder?” Craig and Archie both caught sight of it at the same time.
“By Saint George and merry England!” Craig cried exultingly, “that is the camp of the blacks. Now to find Diana’s other shoe, and the dear child herself wearing it. Now for revenge!”
“Nay,” said Rupert, “call it justice, Craig.”
“What you will; but let us hurry down.”
They stayed but for a moment more to take their bearings. The fire gleams pointed to a spot to the south-east, on high ground, and right above the gully, and they had a background of trees, not the sky. It was evident then that the enemy was encamped in a little clearing on a forest tableland; and if they meant to save the child’s life—if indeed she was not already dead—the greatest caution would be necessary.
They speedily descended, and a consultation being held, it was resolved to commence operations as soon as the moon should rise; but meanwhile to creep in the darkness as near to the camp as possible.