I asked this abruptly, because it occurred to me at that moment that he and Peterkin should have been together.
“Where is Jack?” echoed Peterkin; “I may ask that of you, for I am ignorant on the point. He and I got separated in endeavouring to escape from the scrimmage caused by your valiant attack. You seem to have scattered the whole force to the winds. Oh, here he is, and Mak along with him.”
Jack and our guide came running into the camp at that moment.
“Well, Ralph, what of Okandaga?”
“Ah! what of her indeed?” said Peterkin. “I forgot her. You don’t moan to say she was not in the camp?”
“Indeed she was,” said I, “and so were Mbango, and his wife Njamie, and one or two others whom I did not know; but my men went at them with such ferocity that they fled along with our enemies.”
“Fled!” cried Jack.
“Ay; and I fear much that it will fare ill with them if they are overtaken, for the men were wild with excitement and passion.”
“Come, this must be looked to,” cried Jack, seizing his rifle and tightening his belt; “we must follow, for if they escape our hands they will certainly be retaken by their former captors.”
We followed our comrade, without further remark, in the direction of the fugitives; but although we ran fast and long, we failed to come up with them. For two hours did we dash through bush and brake, jungle and morass, led by Makarooroo, and lighted by the pale beams of the moon. Then we came to a halt, and sat down to consult.