He ran to the bank, and looked out through the bushes.
He was nearly opposite the islands, at the exact spot where the trail was lost on the previous afternoon.
To reach the camp it would be necessary to travel the greater portion of the day, and the important question was as to whether Jim would remain quietly there until he returned.
"There's no use thinking about it; I've got to take the chances," he said, resolutely to himself, and the weary march was resumed.
More than once before the journey came to an end was he tempted to give himself up to the rest he so sadly needed; but the thought that he might be forced to spend another night in the woods alone without a shelter, prevented him from giving way.
The last of the provisions were eaten for dinner.
A halt of half an hour was indulged in, and then he trudged forward once more, traveling a trifle more easily since one of his hands was now free.
It was late in the afternoon when he finally arrived within sight of the encampment; but there were no signs of Jim.
Before reaching the shanty he shouted loudly, receiving no reply, save the mocking echoes.
Now he ran the short distance remaining, and looked around eagerly.