The trio
followed the beach for several miles until they came to a vast
mangrove swamp which turned them inland. This they skirted until
the jungle became impassable and they were in danger of losing
themselves; they returned at dusk, having encountered no human
being and having discovered neither roads nor houses.
The other expedition reported slightly better successes; it had
located a small plantation some distance to the east, the owner of
which had warned them against exploring farther, inasmuch as a
strong Spanish patrol, on the lookout for that American despatch-
bearer from Nassau, was operating in his neighborhood. It was
these very troops, he announced, who had driven the fisherman from
his home; he was sure there were no boats anywhere within reach.
O'Reilly was in a quandary. He gravely doubted Esteban's ability
to stand the rough return journey, and when he spoke to Norine of
turning back she was panic-stricken at the suggestion.
"No, no!" she cried, anxiously. "We MUST get him away. Oh,
Johnnie, every day we lose by waiting lessens his chances! His
heart is set on going through and it would--kill him to go back."
"Then I guess we'll have to go through," he smiled.
For the first time in their acquaintance Norine lost control of
herself.
"We simply MUST find a boat. All he needs is proper care, proper
food, and medical attention.
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