There was a remarkable change in the demeanour of the negroes. Whereas before they had marched slowly, listlessly, they now stepped out with buoyant vigour. Freedom gave them new strength. The loads had been distributed among them, so that each man's burden was light; and they pressed on untiringly, only eager to get back to their homes. Again and again Royce looked back anxiously along the track. There was no sign of pursuit. Without halting a moment the party marched on until nightfall, and then encamped, worn out, but happy, for they were pretty sure that no attack would be made on them during the dark hours. Nevertheless, Royce arranged for the guarding of the camp through the night by the Hausas in turn. He exchanged notes with Challis about all that had happened since they parted. "I've one hope," he said. "It is that the Tubus, knowing they have white men to deal with, will not molest us further. They have experience of what white men can do, because their lands are on French territory." "But the French have little control over them, judging by their raids," replied Challis. "I fear we can't reckon on being left alone. They will be enraged at the loss of a fine haul of slaves, and the men we left tied up will tell them that there are only two of us. Besides, that man you call Goruba has a score against you. It is clear to me now that at first he mistook me for you." "The whole thing is sickening," said Royce. "It looks as though our prospecting for tin is at an end. We can't proceed with hostile savages hovering about us. But we've much to be thankful for." As soon as it was light they broke up camp and resumed the march. The long rest had greatly benefited Challis, whom, however, Royce would not allow to walk. The condition of some of his men made Royce anxious; but the negro has great endurance, and the hope of reaching safety helped the men to keep up. There was still no sign of pursuit, and Royce grew more and more cheerful as time went on. In the afternoon the party arrived at Challis's dismantled camp. In order to prevent a raid upon the provisions, Royce had ordered John and Gambaru not to mention where they were hidden. On reaching the spot, he led the main body of the prisoners some little distance beyond, and commanded them to rest on the ground until food was brought to them. The calabashes were found just as John had left them. Food was served out to the whole party--sparingly, for it was impossible to tell when another supply could be obtained. During the meal, Royce discussed the position with Challis. They decided to give the prisoners the opportunity of returning to their homes. When it was put to the poor negroes, most of them, including all the women, set off at once in different directions. But a group of the men hung back. "Dey want to stay with Massa," John explained. "But I don't want them. We shall have to go back to the coast."