The next morning, as soon as breakfast was over, the three boys all rose up and walked away.  Mr. Eyre called back the youngest, as he felt he was misled by his elders, but he let the others go.  They had stayed with him till the horse was all eaten up, except the dried pieces—­but now they hoped to get more food, when travelling alone, than with Mr. Eyre.

As soon as the boys were gone, Mr. Eyre determined to stop some time longer where he was, that he might not overtake them.  There was one sheep still remaining, and which seemed very restless all by itself.  This sheep was killed for food, and in that place there was plenty of water; so that the little company fared well that day and the next; especially as Mr. Baxter had the good fortune to kill an eagle, which made an excellent stew.

Just as the travellers had finished their evening meal, they were astonished to see the two runaway boys approaching.  Wylie came running up, declaring that both he and his companions were sorry for their bad behavior, and were anxious to be received again, not being able to get enough to eat.  But though Wylie acted in this frank manner, his companion was very sulky.  He said nothing, but seated himself by the fire, pouting and frowning, and evidently much vexed at being obliged to come back.  Mr. Eyre thought it well to give the boys a lecture on their bad conduct, especially upon their thefts; for they now owned that they had stolen meat from the trees, though they had before denied it.  But though Mr. Eyre reproved the boys, he treated them very kindly, for he gave them some tea, and bread and meat for supper.

The next day the whole party continued their journey.  They were obliged to be very sparing of their food, lest when it was gone they should get no more.  But their greatest trial was the want of water.

After travelling during four days, they stopped one evening in a rocky place at the top of high cliffs, hoping that if any rain should fall, some might be caught in the hollow places among the rocks.  That evening they ate no supper; for having had dinner, they might do without supper.

Before they lay down to sleep, they made themselves places to sleep in, by setting up boughs, as shelters from the wind.  They also piled up their goods in a great heap, and covered it with oil skin, to keep out the damp.  Mr. Eyre did not sleep when the rest did, for he undertook to watch the horses till eleven at night, and then he agreed to change places with Mr. Baxter.

The hour was almost come, and Mr. Eyre was beginning to lead the horses towards the sleeping place, when he was startled by hearing a gun go off.  He called out,—­but receiving no answer, he grew alarmed, and leaving the horses, ran towards the spot, whence the noise had come.

Presently he met Wylie, running very fast, and crying out, “Oh!  Massa, Oh!  Massa, come here.”

“What is the matter?” inquired Mr. Eyre.