Never had the ocean seemed so beautiful and friendly as now, after the long, dangerous tramp, and the boys forgot all privations and discomforts as they gazed at the broad expanse of water.
"If the Sea Dream was afloat and anchored off there how quickly we could get home," Teddy cried.
"Even allowing that nothing happens to prevent our traveling ten hours a day, it will be a week before you can stand on the shore of the sea," Cummings replied, glancing backward as if regretting that he was about to descend the range which would separate him from the wonders and wealth of the Silver City.
"At least, we have nothing more to fear from the Indians, and there is now good reason to believe we shall get home at some time, which is more than either of us could have said truthfully last night."
"We can't have that satisfaction," and Cummings turned to resume the march. "The Chan Santa Cruz frequently go to the coast, and there are plenty living near by who may try to make matters disagreeable for us. But we must not stand here speculating; it is necessary to gain the forest below before finding anything for supper, and I'm free to confess that either fish or meat will be very acceptable."
The thought of food caused all to forget their fatigue, and the descent was begun, the progress being as easy and rapid as it had previously been slow and difficult.
The afternoon was not more than half spent when they reached the fringe of bushes marking the forest line, and an hour later the little party were shielded from the rays of the sun by the wide spreading branches of enormous trees.
Now the advance was more of a hunting excursion than the ending of a day's journey, and each member of the band searched among the foliage for something eatable.
Poyor was the one who finally succeeded in replenishing the larder, and he did it in a right royal manner.
While Neal and Teddy were looking for a bird which the latter declared he had caught a glimpse of among the leaves, the Indian started off at full speed, returning in a short time with two armadilloes.