They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting the torch which he kept always by his side.
Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter.
“One canoe is missing!” he cried despairingly.
“What, you don’t mean it!” exclaimed Forbes. “How can that be possible?”
“It’s gone,” said Guy blankly. “No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the keel leading down to the water. That’s not the worst of it, though. Half our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil-flask as well.”
“By Jove, Chutney, it’s that savage who has done this,” cried Melton. “It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the scoundrel’s presence in the cavern.”
“But how could he have lived all this time without food?”
“I don’t know,” answered Melton. “He must have managed it in some way, though. These Gallas are tough, wiry fellows and can stand a good deal of hardship.”
The circumstances all seemed to confirm Melton’s supposition. Unfortunately the fact that this Galla warrior was also making the cruise of the river had been overlooked, and now, as a result of this negligence, they had lost a canoe and half of their supplies.
“We have one thing to be thankful for,” said Guy. “If Sir Arthur had not wakened when he did we would undoubtedly have lost all. His shout scared the rascal, and he did not wait to make off with the other canoe.”