"Don't flatter yourself that we shall see many sailing crafts within hailing distance," Cummings interrupted. "At this point the water is so shallow that only the smallest boats venture inshore."
"Never mind, we can see the ocean while tramping along, and know that somewhere on it is the steamer which will carry us home."
When the voyage was resumed all hands worked at the paddles, for it was quite important, according to Cummings' belief, that they should get out of the lagoon before sunset, and the canoe sped on, dashing the spray in the air with her bow as if rejoicing that the journey was so nearly ended.
There were yet two hours of daylight remaining when the party reached the mouth of the narrow channel they had been threading, and to the left was the coast, piled high with rocks.
Only through the inlet leading to the lagoon could a landing be effected from a vessel, and it was at this point that the hunters had been set ashore by the craft on which they had come from Progresso.
There was yet a small supply of provisions on the canoe, and these the Indians willingly shared with their passengers. The water gourds were divided between the two parties, and, having been paid a good price for their labor, by Cummings, the four men departed, not wishing to spend the night where fever lurked.
"We don't particularly need rest," Cummings said, when the fugitives from the Silver City were alone again; "but it would be foolish to begin the last portion of our journey so late at night. We'll carry our belongings up the shore a bit, and then camp."
The crooked necks of the water gourds afforded a good handle by which to carry them, and, each taking a portion of their sadly depleted outfit, the little party followed the leader about a hundred yards from the place at which they had landed, to where the huge rocks gave promise of a partial shelter.
Now the time had come when both food and water must be husbanded with care, and instead of setting out the entire amount for each to thoroughly satisfy himself, Cummings divided so much as he thought would be sufficient for the meal, giving every one an equal share.
"It is to be short rations for awhile," he said cheerfully. "That will be better than to fill ourselves up now, and suffer afterward."