Dean made no reply, and Peter Kirby took this as an admission that he was right.
"That must be the way, Dan," he said, turning to his companion. "It's lucky we met our young friend here, or we might have been deprived of his society."
Dean looked depressed, and Kirby was deceived by his manner.
"I suppose you know what's going to happen?" he said, addressing himself to Dean.
"No."
"Well, you'll soon know. You're going back to keep company with Pompey. He is very lonesome there in the cave, and he will be brightened up by having a boy as company."
"Oh, Mr. Kirby, please let me go on my way!" pleaded Dean.
"I am sorry to disappoint you, but it can't be done. Sit down, Dan. We've got a long walk before us, and we will rest a while."
The two men seated themselves one on each side of Dean, occupying the exact places recently vacated by the two miners. Kirby had been angry at first with Dean, but the exultation he felt at recovering him abated his wrath and made him good-natured. He felt like the cat who has the mouse securely in his power.