The voices of the Turks reached them more plainly as they pushed on. It meant that some of them were squatting on the very bluff overhead; so that if the trio expected to pass unobserved they must continue to be exceedingly careful.
All Jack hoped for was that none of the Turks would happen to be down by the edge of the water. If that proved to be the case they would be compelled to postpone their passage until the last of the followers of Mahomet had withdrawn, following the rest of the detachment up the hill.
Jack placed implicit confidence in Arturus, and the Greek did not fail them. He kept as close to the bluff as possible, while advancing all the while; and quite naturally the two boys copied his example, recognizing the value of it.
In this way they gradually managed to creep past the spot where the Turks on the little bluff above kept up their low-toned conversation. Possibly Arturus understood what they said, but it was useless for either of the others to try and grasp the meaning, since the Turkish tongue was a sealed book to them.
When this had been accomplished, and they could feel that they were safely by, both boys felt pleased. A heavy load was taken from the chest of Amos, so that once again he could encourage himself with fresh hopes.
Their progress was now more speedy, though Arturus still kept on his guard. Jack admired the fellow more and more as he saw him work. He felt sure Arturus must be a born scout, and in the service of the Allies ashore on Gallipoli would prove himself to be a valuable man indeed.
From this time onward all of them were keenly on the watch for some sign ahead to indicate the presence of the Territorials. They did not mean to take any chance of being shot at by some vigilant sentry, who may have discovered their coming from his post in the darkness, and mistaken them for a straggling party of the enemy.
As it was no longer possible to advance any further along the beach, owing to their having reached a place where the waves ran up against the rocks direct, the guide had once more led them to the forsaken shore road, and they were now moving along that.
It was about this time that Jack sniffed the air. He had caught a whiff of tobacco smoke, it seemed to him. Possibly one of the sentries had managed in some way to roll a cigarette, and was enjoying a few puffs, hiding the light as well as he could with his hands.
Arturus, too, must have caught the same odor for he had come to a pause; and all of them seemed to be trying to pierce the black curtain ahead in hopes of picking up a tiny speck of fire that would betray the presence of the soldier. After all, it was Amos whose sharp eyes discovered what they sought. He gripped Jack’s arm and pointed, although it was difficult to follow his extended hand.