Bendigo said that he hoped to recover them, as they were not very far off.
“If he does not, we must make up our minds to trudge back on foot. It will be a long journey, but he will not let us want for food,” said Harry.
Bendigo, faithful to his promise, again left them, and soon returned, bringing a ’possum and several combs of honey. He also filled their water-bottles; so that they had sufficient provisions to stand a siege of some hours, at all events. He had gone on a second expedition, when he was seen hurrying back up the hill.
“Black fellows come!” he exclaimed, as he sprang behind the breastwork.
The boys got their rifles ready.
“We must not fire unless the natives show a determination to attack us,” observed Paul; “their blood will then be on their own heads if they do so. We must get Bendigo to tell them that we wish to be at peace; and that if they will bring back our horses we will part on friendly terms.”
Paul explained to Bendigo what he wished. The black laughed, as if he did not consider there would be any use in attempting to come to terms with his countrymen but merely patted his rifle, as though he considered that it contained the best argument they could employ.
They waited for some minutes.
“I don’t think the blacks are coming at all,” said Harry.