"Sah not go by himself," said John. "Me show way; me savvy all 'bout it."
"I think you are right," said Challis. "I shall go faster with you as guide. Come along, then; let us start at once."
They set off across the open country in the direction of the fort, John's sense of locality making him a capable guide.
Presently they entered an extensive stretch of woodland, through which progress was slow. Just as they reached the farther end of it John started back suddenly.
"Tubus, sah!" he whispered.
Two Tubus, armed with spears, had just dismounted, tethered their horses, and entered the wood.
"This is awkward," thought Challis. "If they are scouts, they may go far enough to see our men, or they may see us. What can we do, John?" he asked.
"Shoot, sah," replied John at once.
"That would never do. The shots would alarm the enemy. Besides, I don't care about shooting. Do you think we could capture them?"
John grinned. The idea pleased him.