"
By night both lads felt more themselves. They had been well supplied
with food, and though Harry's head ached until, as he said, it
was splitting, and Dick's wound smarted severely, they were able
to discuss their position. They at once agreed that escape was
impossible, and would be even were they well and strong and could
manage to obtain possession of a sampan, for they would but lose
themselves in the labyrinth of creeks, and would, moreover, be
certain to be overtaken by the native boats that would be sent off
in all directions after them.
"There is nothing to do but to wait for the captain's answer," Dick
said at last.
"We know what that will be," Harry said. "He will tell the chief
that it would be impossible for him to grant his commands, but
that he is ready to pay a certain sum for our release; that if harm
comes to us, he will make peace with the chiefs who have assisted
Sehi against us, on condition of their hunting him down and sending
him alive or dead to the ships. But the rascal knows that he could
hide himself in these swamps for a month, and he will proceed to
chop off our heads without a moment's delay. We must keep our eyes
open tomorrow, and endeavor to get hold of a couple of weapons.
It is a deal better to die fighting than it is to have our throats
cut like sheep.
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