Who
could be brave when he is like that?"

"There, don't talk. We are wasting time."

"What are you going to do?"

"You ask me that, with your uncle waiting to be saved! Come on."

"Come on where?"

"I must--I must get back to the ruins."

The boy took hold tightly of the sharp-edged buttress-like root upon
which his hands had rested, and exerting the little strength that he had
gained, he drew himself up erect, and then with everything swimming
round, he reeled away from his support and would have fallen heavily but
for the way in which Dean snatched at him, and yet, in spite of a quick
effort on the boy's part, the pair fell heavily down amongst the bushes.

"It's of no use, Mark; you are too weak and helpless. We must go on
camping here for the present."

"You are quite right," said Mark sadly, "I am as weak as a child; but we
have to go."

"But you can't," cried Dean angrily.

"I must, and I will," cried Mark, with fierce determination. "And
promise me this--"

"Promise you what?" said Dean, for his cousin ceased speaking.

"This," he cried again, with passionate energy. "The others will talk
about giving up now and saving ourselves, but whatever I say you must
support me. Promise me you will."

"That I will."

"Oh, here you are then, gentlemen," cried Dan forcing his way in to
where the two lads were standing. "Ahoy! Buck! Heave ahead! Here
they are! Why, we have been hunting for you everywhere, gents. You
must be better, Mr Mark."

"Ay, that's so," cried Buck, coming up; "but I don't believe we should
have found you if it hadn't been for these 'ere two. I believe little
Pig here sniffed you out all the way. Aren't you tired?"

Mark shook his head, and Buck gave him a look as much as to say "I don't
believe you."

"Well, we are a good way from camp, my lad. If you will take my advice,
Mr Mark, you will lie down and have a snooze while we light a fire and
get ready something to eat."

"No, don't do that," said Mark angrily. "We must go on."

"Go on, sir? Where?"

"Where? Back to the ruins."

"You can't do it, sir. It's just about madness. You are talking wild.
What do you say, Dan? Don't leave it all to me."

"Same as you do, messmate."

"There, Mr Mark; and I put it to you, Mr Dean; isn't it about playing
the lunatic for him to think of going to the help of Sir James, and the
captain, with him like this?"

"Don't ask me, Buck," cried Dean excitedly. "My cousi