The full significance of what he had done now flashed into Guy's mind and he gazed blankly into the faces of his comrades.
"We are buried alive," said Melton bitterly. "We are as dead to the world as though we were in our coffins."
"We have simply burned our ships behind us, that is all," replied Chutney. "Now for the river and freedom."
They went back and sat down beside the swiftly-flowing water.
"Bless me if I know whether I am on my head or my feet," said Sir Arthur. "What on earth does this mean?"
"It means that these brave fellows have saved us from a fate worse than death," cried the colonel; "that is all I care to know at present."
"I will explain all," said Guy.
He straightway related everything that had happened from the time they were separated on the way to Harar to the discovery of the underground river and the daring plan for the rescue of the prisoners.
The colonel could scarcely repress his astonishment as he listened to the wonderful story, and at its conclusion he embraced his rescuer warmly.
"We owe you our lives," he said fervently. "Never was a braver deed attempted, never was a rescue more marvelously carried out. Ah, I can never repay the debt. A grateful country will reward you, Captain Chutney. England shall know of your heroism."