‘I think you are wrong about anyone following us,’ said Will. ‘They would have attacked us before now.’
Yacka explained that he had not slept at night since they left the Springs. He had watched and waited and heard strange sounds. He felt sure they were being followed, but at some distance.
‘You must have a sleep to-night, anyhow,’ said Edgar, ‘or you will knock up. We can keep watch in turns.’
Yacka assented, for he felt much in need of sleep.
They camped on a level patch of ground, where there was not much surrounding shelter, and where they felt secure against any surprise.
Worn out from want of sleep, Yacka stretched himself on the ground, and quickly fell into a deep slumber.
‘He’s dead tired,’ said Edgar. ‘I have never seen him drop off into such a sound sleep. He generally has an eye open, and his ears catch every sound.’
‘Are you going to take first watch?’ said Will.
‘If you like,’ said Edgar. ‘I will rouse you when I become drowsy.’
Will soon followed Yacka into the land of dreams, and Edgar, leaning his back against the trunk of a tree, watched them. The treasure was close to him, and the sight of it brought back to him the scenes they had witnessed. From these experiences his thoughts wandered to Wal Jessop and Eva, and he wondered how they had gone on during his absence. He was anxious to see them again, and when he reached Yanda meant to take a trip to Sydney as early as possible.