“That discharge has hit them,” said the doctor, who had left his bed to see the cause of the commotion. “I heard a distinct cry from the canoes.”
“Yes,” replied the Colonel, “it has hit them, but—that is only the first part of the play. I ought not to have allowed myself to be talked over by the Tomonggong into postponing the pursuit until to-morrow. Perhaps what has just happened ought to have been prevented. Have you seen Troenosmito’s wound?”
“Yes, it is only a graze.”
“Well, let us retire. I know pretty well whither the deserters are bound. Early in the morning we will start in pursuit.” The two men shook hands and soon a deep silence reigned through the fortress interrupted only by the regular tread of the sentry. [[22]]
CHAPTER II.
WHISPERING—LUCULLUS MISTAKEN FOR AN ANIMAL—JOHANNES’ PLAN—A GRATEFUL SMUGGLER—JOHANNES A GEOGRAPHER—A MIRACULOUS HAUL OF FISH—LA CUEILLE’S PROMISE—DRINKING WATER—DEPARTURE.
It is necessary now to explain how the deserters came to be embarked in that funeral cortege and also how their project of escape had been planned and perfected. For this purpose we must go back some few days and change the scene to the dormitory of the fort of Kwala Kapoeas. The time is close upon midnight. Most of the men are wrapped in slumber and perfect silence prevails. No, not perfect silence; for in one remote corner there is a sound of suppressed conversation which challenges the notice of the officer on duty.
“Silence in that corner! What can you have to talk about so late at night! Is not the day long enough for gossip?”
This sharp rebuke was the signal for the talkers to cease, but not for long. Presently when silence reigned again, interrupted only by the loud snoring of the sleepers, a soft whispering made itself heard in that same dark corner to which the corporal had before referred.