human
Well,
gpt
We have overrun the spoor,
human
Why, here stands the waggon!
gpt
She never came as far as this. The waggon was brought on here to lead us astray. They met the waggon in the road, and have gone off in a direction opposite to this. They may have circled round, struck the road below the old `outspan,' and returned towards Pretoria.
human
Good heavens! then they may be fifty miles away?
gpt
Ay, and we are on foot.
human
What next?
gpt
There is one hope. It is possible the Dutchman has a house somewhere in these parts, and, if so, we may find her before it is too late.
human
Then let us start. With a lantern it is possible to distinguish hoof-marks in the dust.
gpt
Come, then,
human
For God's sake, stop that!
gpt
Look here, Hume, he cried,
human
Go on, said Hume, catching his friend by the arm.
gpt
When I went to get the lantern I fancied I saw the figure of a man disappear from the far side of the waggon. It is probably one of our boys returning for more loot; light the lantern now, and keep on down the road, making as much noise as you can, while I lie in wait for him.
human
Don't let him escape, said Webster, with great excitement.
gpt
Wouldn't it be better if we both went after him?
human
No; leave him to me.