“Where is Grashuis?” asked the Controller, looking around him.
“And where is Grenits?” van Rheijn managed to gasp out.
They were nowhere to be seen, and their friends were beginning to feel anxious about them, when a couple of rifle-shots in the distance informed the hunters that the two missing men were still obstinately bent on continuing the pursuit.
“That will never do,” said Verstork, “we must go after them, one can never tell what may happen and what need there may be of assistance. But,” continued he, “can any of you tell me where the shots came from?”
Every hand was raised at once; but they unfortunately all pointed in different directions. Had there been hands enough they would, no doubt, have indicated every point in the compass.
“There,” said one.
“No, no, there,” cried another.
“You are wrong,” said a third, “they came from this side.”
“That’s a confounded nuisance,” said Verstork much perplexed, “the shots took me quite by surprise and I really don’t know from what direction they came. We must wait a bit, perhaps they will fire again.”
“I am precious glad of it,” said van Beneden, “now we can sit down and rest a bit on that rock yonder. I am regularly fagged out.”