But the great day arrived. The wagon was loaded, and the merry party started out on the trail, not knowing what dangers lurked in their pathway. Every part of the forest to the west was a book to them. It had been traversed by the Professor and two of the boys on six different occasions, and three times John and the other two had trailed the different routes.
They recalled how directions and objects had been enigmas to them when the first attempt was made and with what fear and trembling the dark recesses of the woods filled them. It was entirely different on this occasion. They were strong, healthy, vigorous, and had been trained to woodcraft and hunting; were experts with the guns, and under the training of John and their previous engagements with the savages acquired a skill and confidence which only experience can teach.
It would not be going far out of the way to note that John and the Professor were proud of the boys. It would not be possible for two to be more congenial than their association. It was a constant source of delightful conversation to talk about their boys.
“After considering the matter for some time I am of the opinion that we should go directly west, after leaving the Cataract River, far enough to avoid the densest portion of the forest, which lies to the north of South River, and turn south about five miles east of West River,” remarked the Professor, as they were discussing the most available route.
“But you forget, Professor, that will bring us down to the very place where we crossed the tributary of the West River, and where we had our first meeting with the savages.”
“That is exactly the reason why I made the suggestion. I also had another object in view. From Stut’s description that is the direction we should go to reach the tribe which has the boys.”
Harry had forgotten this.
John did not remember the trip referred to, as it was taken during the time when his memory was still in darkness; but he turned to the Professor: “Was that place about ten miles east or southeast of the Tuolos?”
“Yes.”
“Then, if we go directly south from that point we shall find the last tribe which captured me, and when we reach them I am sure there will be a welcome for us.”