"You spoke rather sharply, Mac," said Forrester.
"Ay. The beggars wanted to hear our talk."
"D'you think so? They carry no loads, and, of course, walk faster than the Nagas."
"That's true, but I don't trust 'em."
"They only want company, I fancy. The poor wretches won't feel safe until they reach Tibet. I've read of Chinese torture, and if they're political refugees they'll be in mortal terror of falling into the hands of their enemies."
"Maybe," Mackenzie replied. "They've a long road to go."
"Look here, you're suspicious," said Forrester. "What's in your mind?"
"Nothing in particular. But I don't like 'em too near."
Towards nightfall they encamped in a fairly open space, and Mackenzie assigned to the Chinamen a position well out of hearing.
On the following day they found marching more difficult. The country rose gradually, presenting many sharp ascents and declivities, jungle alternating with stretches of bare stony ground. As they pursued their toilsome way they realised the stupendous exertions that Captain Redfern must have made in travelling alone, unarmed, and without provisions except such edible plants as he could find in this trackless country. They met no men; Sher Jang turned aside whenever he saw human tracks. But they sighted elephants, wild boars, and other game which appealed to their sporting instincts. They would not delay, however, to try their skill: on the way back, perhaps, when their errand was completed, they might secure trophies of the chase.