know that we have no alternative but to return to the coast immediately if we would escape the two rascals."
"I only wish I could catch them," said Hercules, who had overheard the conversation; "I would soon knock their heads together;" and he shook his two fists in giving emphasis to his words.
"But what will become of my boy?" cried Mrs. Weldon, in tones of despondency; "I have been so sanguine in procuring him the comforts of San Felice."
"Master Jack will be all right enough, madam, when we get into a more healthy situation near the coast," said Tom.
"But is there no farm anywhere near? no village? no shelter?" she pleaded.
"None whatever, madam; I can only repeat that it is absolutely necessary that we make the best of our way back to the sea-shore."
"Are you quite sure, Dick, that Mr. Harris has deceived us?"
Dirk felt that he should be glad to avoid any discussion on the subject, but with a warning glance at Tom, he proceeded to say that on the previous night he and Tom had discovered the American's treachery, and that if he had not instantly taken to his horse and fled he would have answered for his guilt with his life. Without, however, dwelling for a moment more than he could avoid upon the past, he hurried on to detail the means by which he now proposed to reach the sea, concluding by the assertion that he hoped a very few miles' march would bring them to a stream on which they might be able to embark.
Mrs. Weldon, thoroughly ignoring her own weakness, professed her readiness not only to walk, but to carry Jack too. Bat and Austin at once volunteered to carry her in a litter; of this the lady would not hear, and bravely repeated her intention of travelling on foot, announcing her willingness to start without further delay. Dick Sands was only too glad to assent to her wish.
"Let me take Master Jack," said Hercules; "I shall be out of my element if I have nothing to carry."