"All right so far, Pepperill?"
"Wal, I hain't made nary mistake yet, cap'm."
Pepperill recognized the woods in which, when flying to the cave with Virginia, Penn, and Cudjo, they had found themselves surrounded by fires.
"How far is it now to your ravine?"
"Nigh on to half a mile, I reckon."
"Shall we go through these woods?"
"It's the nighest to go through 'em. But I s'pose we can git around if we try."
"The moon sets early. We'd better take the nearest way," said the captain. "Well, Dutchy,"—for the first time deigning to consult Carl,—"this route is taking us to the cave, too, ain't it?"
"Wery certain," said Carl, "prowided you go far enough, and turn often enough, and never lose the vay."
"That'll be your risk, Dutchy. Look out for the landmarks, so that when Pepperill stops you can keep on."