“Can’t you make an effort for their release?” I asked, but our host shook his head.

“The night is dark and stormy,” he said, “and it’s impossible to tell where the party, is at the present time.  To-morrow we may be able to do something.”

“To-morrow will be too late,” replied Mr. Brown.  “The rogues by that time will have joined the main body of the gang, and will laugh at our efforts to dislodge them from their rendezvous on the mountains.”

Still our host did not seem impressed with the idea that we could afford the unfortunate females relief, although I judged that his disposition to do so was strong.

“Ask Kala if he thinks that he can find the fellow’s trail to-night, and promise him from me a pound of tobacco and a bottle of rum if he succeeds,” Mr. Brown said, addressing Mr. Wright.

The message was conveyed to the natives, and Kala’s eyes sparkled at the idea of gaining the promised luxuries, but Iala did not seem so enthusiastic, owing to his name not being mentioned in connection with the presents.

“Tell Iala from me,” I exclaimed, “that he, too, shall have a pound of tobacco and a bottle of rum like his brother if he succeeds.”

The look of displeasure disappeared from the dark face of the native as he heard the offer, and he displayed his sharp, white teeth in token of approval.

“The men go by the old trail through the forest.  They will not trust the new road leading to the house for fear of meeting our people.  The trail is much longer, but safer.  After they get through the woods they will have to cross a mud creek.  The horses will refuse to enter the water, and considerable time will elapse before they can be got across.  If we can meet them at the creek there is no escape for them.”

Such were the expressions of Kala, uttered slow and distinct, as though he was weighing each word, and knew the importance of good counsel.  We had not much time to consider the matter, for the native informed us that he and his brother had run with all their speed to the house, after once making sure that the bushrangers intended to take the trail instead of the road.

“Well, gentlemen, what is your opinion on the subject?  Shall we sally forth, like knights-errant of old, and rescue the women from the clutches of the devils, or shall we sit here and finish our punch, and then go to bed?  I am ready to hear a few words on both sides of the question, but no long arguments.”

Our host meant work; I could see that by his flashing gray eyes.

“Can’t we drink the punch after we return?” asked Mr. Brown.

“Ay, and as much more as you wish,” promptly responded our host, rising from the table, an example that we were not slow to follow.

Jackson, who had remained waiting in the room during the interview, now stepped forward, as though aware that his services would be required by his master.