“And you think—?”
“I think that when they reached the clearing they were surprised. They didn’t want to be seen. That’s why they stopped singing. Now they must be going back.”
“Or—coming on!” Johnny stepped to the corner and took up the rifle.
“No!” the girl’s tone was decisive. “They’ve turned back.”
A moment passed in silence;—two—three—four—five. Then the girl sprang silently to her feet.
“Come!” she gripped his hand. “Let’s go have a look!”
Astonished, Johnny caught up the rifle and followed. Never had he known anyone who could get over a jungle trail so fast in the night. She carried a flashlight, but seldom used it. Three times she paused to listen. The third time, as Johnny stirred slightly in the path, she whispered:
“Shish!”
“Sounds like oars,” Johnny whispered back.
“It is oars!” came back in a barely audible whisper.