But two o'clock came and no Chris appeared.
"Get your guns, boys," commanded the captain. "We must go hunt him. Something's the matter."
CHAPTER VI.
SOME SURPRISES.
Loosening their pistols in their holsters, and grabbing up their guns, the little party struck out in the direction in which Chris had disappeared.
They were proceeding almost at a run when Charley checked their headlong speed.
"Let's go slow," he panted, "it may be that the convicts have got him and we may be running right into an ambush."
He but voiced the fear in the minds of the others, and they slackened their advance to a slow walk, keeping a cautious eye on every bush or tree large enough to conceal an enemy.
Trampled marsh grass and broken twigs gave them an easy trail to follow, and in a few minutes they were in sight of the river bank. Charley, who was in the lead, suddenly stopped short with an exclamation of relief and disgust.