Part 47 (1/2)
So the return journey was commenced at once. On riding through the forest they had to observe the greatest caution.
Craig was an old Bushman, and knew the ways of the blacks well. He trotted on in front. And whenever in any thicket, where an ambush might possibly be lurking, he saw no sign of bird or beast, he dismounted and, revolver in hand, examined the place before he permitted the others to come on.
They got through the forest and out of the gloom at last, and some hours afterwards dismounted a long way down the creek to water the horses and let them browse. As for themselves, no one thought of eating. There was that feeling of weight at every heart one experiences when first awakening from some dreadful nightmare.
They talked about the ma.s.sacre, as they sat under the shadow of a gum tree, almost in whispers; and at the slightest unusual noise the men grasped their revolvers and listened.
They were just about to resume their journey when the distant sound of galloping horses fell on their ears. Their own nags neighed. All sprang to their feet, and next moment some eight or nine men rode into the clearing.
Most of them were known to Craig, so he advanced to meet them.
”Ah! I see you know the worst,” said the leader.
”Yes,” said Craig, ”we know.”
”We've been to your place. It is all right there with one exception.”
”One exception?”
”Yes; it's only the kid--Mr Cooper's little daughter, you know.”
”Is she dead?” cried Archie aghast.
”No, sir; that is, it isn't likely. Mr Cooper's black girl left last night, and took the child.”
”Good heavens! our little Diana! Poor Bob! He will go raving mad!”
”He is mad, sir, or all but, already; but we've left some fellows to defend the station, and taken to the trail as you see.”
”Craig,” said Archie, ”we must go too.”
”Well,” said the first speaker, ”the coast is all clear betwixt here and Burley. Two must return there with the ladies. I advise you to make your choice, and lose no time.”
It was finally arranged that Branson and one of the newcomers should form the escort; and so Archie, Harry, and Craig bade the girls a hurried adieu, and speedily rode away after the men.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.
ON THE WAR TRAIL.
Twelve men all told to march against a tribe consisting probably of over a hundred and fifty warriors, armed for the fight, and intoxicated with their recent success! It was a rash, an almost mad, venture; but they did not for one moment dream of drawing back. They would trust to their own superior skill to beat the enemy; trust to that fortune that so often favours the brave; trusting--many of them I hope--to that merciful Providence who protects the weak, and who, in our greatest hour of need, does not refuse to listen to our pleadings.
They had ridden some little way in silence, when suddenly Archie drew rein.
”Halt, men!” he cried. ”Halt for a moment and deliberate. Who is to be the commander of this little force?”
”Yourself,” said Gentleman Craig, lifting his hat. ”You are boss of Burley Farm, and Mr Cooper's dearest friend.”
”Hear, hear!” cried several of the others.
”Perhaps it is best,” said Archie, after a moment's thoughtful pause, ”that I should take the leaders.h.i.+p under the circ.u.mstances. But, Craig, I choose you as my second in command, and one whose counsel I will respect and be guided by.”