e so dark
that dusk might have been falling. But in spite of the shelter obtained
from the rays of the sun, the heat was intense. At the point where the
staging appeared there was a break in the trees, and, as they drew
opposite it, they saw that it had been erected at a point where another
stream, a tiny tributary, emerged from the forest. Along its bank there
was a path, while its mouth seemed to have been widened.

"All of which shows that we have a thoughtful agent," said Mr Pepson,
as he put the helm over. "Back her, Johnnie. Steady. Ahead a little."

Very easily and gently the four craft were brought into the tributary,
their painters being made fast to the trees which came close to the
bank. Then the party landed and looked about them.

"Zis is hod, mein friends," grunted the Dutchman, as he stood panting in
his shirt sleeves. "I do nod wish for zis walk in ze foresd."

"While I shall be glad to get it over," said Mr Pepson, with emphasis,
casting an eye overhead as he did so. "I tell you we are in for a
storm, and that is hardly a pleasant prospect in such a place."

Dick wondered why, for the mass of the forest which hemmed them in on
every side seemed ample to protect them from any harm which might come
from a storm. But no doubt his leader had had experience and knew, and
at his words he slung his rifle, took a bag of cartridges, and prepared
to march. Johnnie, too, leapt to the shore, for there was no longer any
need to leave a guard, and within a few minutes the party was _en route_
for the gold-mine.

Almost for the first time in his experience, Dick marched by a forest
road, a track cut through the heart of the jungle, and he began to
realise what were the difficulties of transport in this remarkable
country. For the path was barely wide enough to admit one single man,
and the great girth of the Dutchman often brought him into difficulties.
It bore signs of having been cut some weeks before, for the marks of
knives and hatchets were often to be seen. But in spite of the care
taken in clearing it, parts were already practically impassable; for
vines and other creepers had grown across it. However, a few sweeps
from Mr Pepson's sword cut them clear, and the party were able to
advance. They wound here and there, following the track, which deviated
so as to avoid large trees and very thick brush. At times they sank to
their knees in marsh land, while on several occasions they leaped or
w