"No," said the doctor, "it would take time; and the wood is too thick. I'll carry him for a few hundred yards." "Let me have first go, sir," cried Lenny. "You're tired. I'll take him. Help me get him on my back, so as not to hurt his arm." This was done, poor Ned remaining quite insensible; and once more they began to descend through the solemn aisles of the forest, with the sunshine coming through the leaves in showers of rays, while the firing away below them kept rolling up to where they were. After a time Lenny was relieved, and dropped into the rear-guard, and this evolution was performed again and again, Jack still leading the way, and hacking through some growing rope from time to time. "Soon do it now, sir," said the man who was carrying. "Keep a good heart, sir. That's the best o' being mates. Chap goes down, and t'others 'll always carry him. Hullo! what, a'ready?" he continued, as one of his companions came to relieve him. "I've only just begun." "Don't be greedy, matey," said the new-comer with a grin. "You allus was such a chap for wanting to have more 'n your share. Gently, let me get under the poor chap here without hauling him about so. That's your sort. Warm work, mate?" "Tidy," said the man relieved with a grin. "Warmer where there's none." On they went again with the relieved man taking his place ready for the defence if called upon, and the fresh bearer toiling on as if there was nothing to mind. "Mustn't whistle, I suppose, Mr Jack?" There was a shake of the head. "S'pose not. Like letting the beggars know where we are. My word, how things seem to grow here. Take some muscle to cut a good road. Say, sir; think poor Ned here's much hurt?" "Hurt a good deal, of course, but it can't be a dangerous wound." "I dunno," said the man thoughtfully, after a few minutes' silence. "Is he onsensible like, sir?" "Yes, quite," said Jack, after a look at Ned's face. "Can't hear what I say then, sir? I'm a bit afeard for him." "Why?" "Chap wouldn't go like this after a hole being made in his arm. I had a bayonet through mine once, but it didn't turn me this way. Felt a bit sick at first, but it made me feel hot and savage after." "What do you mean?" said Jack, baring his head for a moment. "Arrows, sir; poison." "Ah!" ejaculated Jack in horror. "Then that's what made Doctor Instow look so serious." "That's it, sir. But don't you say anything. I dare say as soon as we get aboard the doctor 'll put some of his acquy miracolus on it, and set it right again. My word, they're having a good round with the niggers. I do wish we were aboard in the fun. I don't like this running away." The bottom of the forest slope at last, and now an open park-like stretch lay between them and the patch of jungle which ran down to where they had left the boat. But upon this being neared they could see no sign of her.