"If he can keep that up long enough we shall give them the slip after all," Jake said, speaking with difficulty as he gasped for breath.
"There are others to be met. Between here and the coast is a line of sentinels who may be more vigilant than those in the swamp."
Now that the pace was slower, and because of the assistance rendered, Neal and Teddy were able to make their way unaided, and the former said as he pushed Cummings from him:
"I am all right now. You have as much as you can do to take care of yourself, and it is not fair to half carry me as you and Poyor have been doing."
"It hasn't been such a very hard job; but I'm perfectly willing to give it up if you are feeling better."
"We are both in fair condition," Teddy replied, and being relieved of the burdens the men were able to travel more rapidly.
During the next ten minutes not a word was spoken, and then Cummings said as he halted:
"We'll take a little rest, for I am nearly blown."
All threw themselves on the ground where they lay panting until, recovering somewhat, Jake asked:
"How is Poyor to find us in this thicket? He can't follow a trail in the darkness."