"Don't waste any more time talking. Let us start at once."
Cummings spoke with Poyor, and the latter replied with the air of one who considers himself vanquished, after which the former said:
"We may need all this food. Make it up into bundles, and we will start at once. The journey before us is a long and a dangerous one: but, as I believe, it is the only way of escape left open."
The boys set about making the small amount of baggage into five parcels while Cummings and the Indian were still discussing some point, and when the conversation was concluded the former said:
"We will start for the sea coast. There is no immediate hurry, for there is yet at least six hours before the inhabitants will be stirring."
"There must be sentinels on the east as well as the west side," Teddy suggested.
"True; but if the information brought by Poyor be correct, there will not be as strict a watch kept. The Indian believes we should try to force a passage through the swamp, fighting in case of a necessity; but I prefer that course where the least danger is to be met, even though the distance be greater."
Neither Neal nor Teddy cared to discuss the matter: they knew that Cummings was the best judge in such a case, and were well content to follow his leadership; but Jake did not trust him so implicitly.
"Before we leave here I want to know your plans," he said. "My life as well as yours and the others, is in danger, and it is no more than right that I have at least a faint idea of what is to be done."
"You are quite right," Cummings replied mildly. "It is my purpose to travel toward the east as far as the sea-shore, and from there make our way to my hut. So far as I can see it is the only practicable course."
"He thinks we can go through the swamp even if we have no boat: but, in my opinion, the danger of contracting the fever is too great."
Jake had the appearance of a man who is about to make some protest, and Neal whispered to him:
"In such a case as this it is our duty to accept Cummings' view of the matter. Do not delay now when we all know that every moment is precious."
"Have it your own way, I won't say another word," the engineer replied impatiently; "but I think we have followed this man blindly as long as we should."