"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 table-land; 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.
But first Jacoby was sent out to reconnoitre. No cat, no flying squirrel could glide more noiselessly through an Australian forest than this faithful fellow. Still he seemed an unconsciously long time gone. Just as Craig and Archie were getting seriously uneasy the tinkle, tinkle of the bell-bird was heard. This was the signal agreed upon, and presently after, Jacoby himself came silently into their midst.
"The child?" was Archie's first question.
"Ba�l mumhill piccaninny, belong a you. Pidney you."
"The child is safe," said Craig, after asking a few more questions of this Scotch Myell black.
"Safe? and they are holding a corroboree and drinking. There is little time to lose. They may sacrifice the infant at any time."