Mr. Jesson asked the question.
“Too dangerous, except in case of absolute necessity,” said Jack; “it could be done, but there is a certain amount of risk.”
“I think, then, that we had better head about and make for the sea-coast where the Vagrant is hidden,” said Professor Chadwick.
“I don’t agree with you there,” said Captain Andrews positively.
“Why not?”
“Well, in the first place, during the next few days Herrera is going to go through all that vicinity with a fine-tooth comb. He won’t let the gems slip through his fingers without some sort of a battle for them, you can bet.”
“What would your advice be, then?”
“To make for the mountains yonder with all speed. We can lie snugly hidden there for a short time, and can form some definite plan. We are all too much tired and overwrought now to discuss such things intelligently.”
“I think you are right. I know that, now that the strain is over, I feel like taking a long sleep,” said Mr. Jesson.
“Then let us head right on as we are going,” suggested Jack. “That range of hills doesn’t look so very far off. We ought to get there before afternoon. That will give us time to make camp and get things snug for the night.”