It was necessary that Captain Vindex and those with him should think of returning to the ship.
Making a sign, he led the way back.
Carl felt inclined to stay and die in the attempt to find his friend.
It would have been an immense relief to him to have said something, but not a sound could he make audible outside his helmet.
With sad and weary steps they traversed the lovely valley, which had lost all its former attractions for the party.
The forest was passed and the sand regained.
They were not more than two miles from the Searcher.
Carl determined to make a last effort.
He seized the captain's arm and pointed pathetically, almost imploringly, to the dense mass of vegetation behind them.
His mute appeal to go back after Mont was comprehended.