In about half an hour the faithful fellow--ah! who could doubt his fidelity now?--sat painfully up.
Dick went hurrying off and soon returned with soup and with wine, and having swallowed a little, Benee made signs that he would rest and sleep.
"To-morrow," he said, "to-morrow I speak plenty. To-night no can do."
And so they did all they could to make him comfortable, and great Brawn lay down by his side to watch him.
[CHAPTER XXIV--BENEE'S STORY--THE YOUNG CANNIBAL QUEEN]
I cannot help saying that in forbearing to talk to or to question poor Benee on the evening of his arrival, our young heroes exhibited a spirit of true manliness and courage which was greatly to their credit.
That they were burning to get news of the unfortunate Peggy goes without saying, and to hear at the same time Benee's own marvellous adventures.
Nor did they hurry the poor fellow even next day.
It is a good plan to fly from temptation, when you are not sure you may not fall. There is nothing dishonourable about such a course, be the temptation what it may.
Roland and Dick adopted the plan this morning at all events. Both were awake long before sunrise; long before the beautiful stars had ceased to glitter gem-like high over mountains and forest.