"We must take a spell of rest," he said to Challis. "I think it's scarcely likely the Tubus have come through the forest after us."
"I'm glad enough," replied Challis. "A little more of this, and I shall crock up again."
"Poor old chap! We must avoid that. It's certainly hard on you after what you've gone through. Down loads, John. Serve out a meal. The boys can drink from the lake; but let them beware of crocodiles."
"A thing has occurred to me," said Challis, as he sat with Royce waiting until John had roasted some nuts for them. "Will Goruba suspect that we are making for the fort, and get there first?"
"I don't think so. He is more likely to suppose that we are returning to the village where we got our supplies. This is the direct route towards it; the fort lies more to the left."
"That relieves my mind. But it's a pity we can't tell what the enemy are doing."
"I'll go reconnoitring presently. The fort can't be more than a mile or two away, and as it stands on an eminence it ought to be visible from the cliff over there."
He pointed to the high ground which bordered one side of the lake.
"I'm inclined to think they have given it up," he continued. "Negroes aren't very persevering as a rule, and they've had enough to damp their spirits. It would be absurd to look for the same persistence in them that you would expect in a civilised and disciplined enemy.... Well, John," he added, as the Hausa came up with some roasted nuts spread on broad leaves, "is this the best you can do for us?"
"Not good dinner all same, sah," said John, with a rueful look. "Get rabbit some day."