"Then we are to say that the attempt has been a failure," Jake added in a tone of reproach.
"Yes, and I take upon myself all the blame. You have spent but little time on the enterprise, while to it I have devoted not less than two years, therefore you can get some idea of the extent of my disappointment as compared with yours."
"We recognize that fully," Neal replied, "and understand that you believed the expedition would be successful; but since it has proven to be a failure let us decide upon the proper course to be pursued rather than spend our time reproaching each other."
"You are talking like a sensible fellow," Cummings said approvingly. "Here is the situation in a nut-shell, and Poyor understands English sufficiently to follow us in all we say. To go back by the way we came is now impossible, and yet we must leave the city before a house to house search is made, as I am convinced will be the case when it is shown that there are no strangers in the swamp. The only open course is toward the east, over the mountains, and the journey can be accomplished if we hang together. I am willing to acknowledge that I have led you on an unsuccessful search, although that may be of little satisfaction, and now my only aim is to release you from the dangers which beset us all."
"We understand that perfectly," Teddy said quickly, "therefore there is no reason why the matter should be discussed. We took the same chances that you and Poyor did, consequently our interests are identical. Show us how to get out of here, and the Chan Santa Cruz Indians may keep all their gold and silver so far as I am concerned."
"But how are we to be paid for the time spent?" Jake asked fretfully.
"By saving your own life, which is now in great danger," Neal replied. "Give up all idea of making yourself rich by the venture, and think only of how we can best get away."
"That is something for Cummings to fix," Jake replied in a sulky tone. "I came here for gold, and if that can't be had let those who put up the job help us out of the scrape."
"I have already taken upon myself all the blame of the failure, and admitted that it came about through an oversight of mine," Cummings said sternly. "Now if you will listen to my plan I believe we can get out of here alive, which is the one important thing just at this time when everything has gone against us."