Before them was a densely wooded hill. The way had become difficult with the scrub bushes that filled up the distance between the trees. The latter were no longer the same which they had hitherto encountered, the tall and stately eucalyptus, but were smaller and wider branched.
"We can't make our way here, Harry," said Jack despondently.
"Oh, yes, we can. Besides, don't you see, the rougher and more difficult the way, the less are we likely to be followed. I am willing to go through a good deal to save capture."
"So am I," answered Jack. "You are always right. Push ahead, and I'll follow."
For three or four hours the boys kept on their way. They surmounted the hill, and found a clearer country. Finally, turning to the right they came upon an open tract. By this time it was growing dark, and the boys were feeling both fatigued and hungry.
"I think we can rest now, Jack," said Harry.
With a sigh of relief Jack threw himself on the ground.
"This is worse than any work I did on shipboard," he said.
Harry smiled.
"I don't think it is likely to cure you of your love for the sea, Jack," he said. "Though I haven't your fondness for sea life, I confess I would rather be on the deck of a good stanch ship than here."