Rob knew how strained his nerves must be. He could feel for his chum, and it was only natural for him to want to buoy up Merritt's sinking hopes.
"Don't get downcast, old fellow," he told him. "You've stuck it out through thick and thin so far. Whether you find this Steven Meredith in Sempst or not, you're bound to meet up with him somewhere, sooner or later, you know."
Merritt gritted his teeth, and the old look of resolution came across his face, which the others knew full well.
"Thank you for saying that, Rob," he observed steadily. "You know that once my mind is made up I'm a poor one to cry quits. I'll follow that man to China, or the headwaters of the Amazon, if necessary, but I'll never give up as long as I can put one foot in front of the other."
"And," said Tubby vehemently, "here are two loyal comrades who mean to stick to you, Merritt, to the very end."
CHAPTER XXVI.
FOR HUMANITY'S SAKE.
"I think we're coming to Sempst," said Rob.