"Through the forest, or by the river?" asked O'Hara.
"Both," replied his chum. "Two miles farther down-stream is the spot where we landed from the Myra. I can recognize it. You remember what we buried there?"
"Rather," replied the Irishman. "The rifle and the ammunition we took from von Eckenstein's man."
"It will come in jolly handy if we fall foul of more wild animals," continued Denbigh. "When we've recovered the rifle we'll follow the same track as we did previously. Let's hope we'll be in time to warn our cruisers, for from all appearances von Riesser hasn't played himself out just yet."
"You're taking into consideration the possibility that the Germans have left an observation post at the entrance to the river?" asked Armstrong.
"Rather," replied Denbigh. "Even if they hadn't posted a guard they'll have made arrangements with the natives to give them the tip. Best leg forward, lads. If we fail to see the White Ensign before another six hours have passed I shall be horribly disappointed."
In spite of Denbigh's assurances the men had great difficulty in locating the spot where the rifle and ammunition had been hidden. The lack of moonlight altered the appearance of the river completely. Landmarks and bearings were useless in the darkness; but at length the weapon was recovered little the worse for its experience. Having cleaned the dirt from the muzzle, the breech-mechanism having been protected when it was buried, O'Hara took possession of the rifle and the journey was resumed.
The short African dawn was breaking as the three officers reached the low cliffs overlooking the lagoon.
A grunt of disappointment burst from Denbigh's lips. The morning mists had dispersed. The whole of the reef was plainly visible. The horizon was unbroken by any object that could be recognized as a British warship.
Unaccountably the blockading squadron had disappeared.