They pressed on, avoiding the path, on which Royce's boots would have left tell-tale tracks, but keeping as near to it as was safe. John halted every now and then to look back, and to listen for sounds of the enemy's advance. Royce gave his whole attention to the features of the surrounding country.
As they covered mile after mile without finding a spot where anything in the nature of an ambush could be successfully attempted, Royce's hopes sank lower and lower. The country became more and more hilly, and the path followed the undulations in almost a straight line over bare soil. It did not pass through tracts of thick bush or clumps of woodland, which might have afforded opportunities for an ambuscade. Nor were there abrupt corners or overhanging banks that would have lent themselves to the springing of a surprise on the enemy.
The Hausas wondered why their master kept on marching so doggedly, now that they were miles ahead.
"Eat now, sah?" said John at last.
"You can eat as you walk, if you like," replied Royce, "but we won't rest yet."
Some little while later, as they were rounding the shoulder of a low hill, John suddenly cried:
"Ribber, sah! Savvy ribber here all same."
"I can't see it," said Royce.
This answer appeared to tickle John, who laughed heartily.
"See him bimeby," he said. "Hear him now."