He led the way through the darkness to the river bank, and as they began to descend he whispered to Joy—
“Your boy Jim, and my man Sibou, are waiting for us with the dogs, a little way off.”
“Then Jim is safe?”
“Yes, he found me, and told me what had happened to—— By George, listen!”
An ear-splitting yell sounded from the direction of the encampment. It was followed by another, and that by a great clamour.
“They have discovered our escape,” said Dick Bracknell grimly. “Hurry! where are you taking us, Roger? Have you a rifle?”
“Yes! I have a rifle——”
“Then give it me. Listen to that! The hunt is up. Give me the gun. I’ll hold the pass.”
As he spoke he laughed a laugh that sounded harshly in the night, then broke off. “Great Scott! They’re in front of us already! Look there!”
The dark figures had appeared on the snow in front, but the corporal quickly dispelled the fears their appearance had awakened.