They started off, with Mark leading, and for quite half an hour they threaded their way in and out amongst the huge pillar-like trunks, which seemed to have grown closer together and looked as though if they were left undisturbed for a few years longer they would all join together and form an impenetrable wall. Then with the darkness seeming thicker than ever, they stopped short and stood hand in hand. "Dean," said Mark, at last, and he looked at his cousin's dimly-seen face, "do you know what we have been doing?" "Yes: making it more difficult for them to find us." "Yes, that we have," said Mark; "and yet it seemed so impossible, just as if after walking in we had nothing to do but to walk out again; and here we are, thoroughly lost." "But it only means," said Dean, trying to speak firmly, but failing dismally, "being lost for a few hours or so, or at the worst having to stop all night." "Without food or water!" said Mark bitterly. "And what about the wild beasts?" "Not a place for lions," said Dean. "No, I know that; but doesn't it seem to you like what we have read of, about men being lost in the Australian bush?" "But this isn't the Australian bush." "No, it's bigger--as much bigger as those trees are than the Australian bushes." "Well, you are a nice comfortable fellow, Mark, to come out with!" "Yes, I am, aren't I? It was stupid of me. But there, I am going to be plucky now. Let's have another try." "Yes, try again," said Dean; "but it seems stupid, and may mean getting farther and farther and more hopelessly lost." "It can't be, and it shan't be!" cried Mark. "Oh, what stuff! Let's shout again--shout till we make Mak hear us and come to our help. Now then, both together. What shall we cry?" "Cooey, of course," cried Dean; and joining their voices they called at close intervals again and again till they were hoarse, while at every shout it seemed as if their voices rebounded from the solid surfaces of the trees instead of penetrating or running between them. And then as their voices failed they started off again in and out amongst the natural pillars, growing more and more excited and dismayed, till they felt that they could go no farther--absolutely lost, and not knowing which way to turn, while the darkness above them seemed blacker than ever and the dimly-seen trees that closed them in on every side began to wear the appearance of an impenetrable wall. CHAPTER NINETEEN. AMONG THE PIGMIES. In utter weariness the two boys now stood their guns up against the nearest trees and let themselves sink together upon the thin bed of moist leaves that had not been eaten up, as it were, by the root action of the trees, glad of the relief to their now weary limbs, and for some time they sat in the silent darkness, utterly stunned--minutes and minutes, possibly half an hour, before Mark started to his feet, and, nerved by his cousin's movement, Dean followed his example.