is pony's ears, he certainly
knew that they were somewhere in front, but that was all.

"Oh, I say," he sighed, "I am in a mess, and no mistake! If I'd had any
gumption in this thick old head I should have slipped a damper cake in
my pocket. But who was going to think of eating at a time like that?
Perhaps Ned would," he added, with a soft chuckle; and the idea was so
mirthful that he shook a little, but only to grow serious directly.

"There," he said, "I've done my duty, I'm sure, and though I'm in such a
hobble things have turned out capitally, and they've had plenty of time
to get our cliff castle fortified and stored. That's splendid, and I
won't fidget about the Indians, for they can't come till to-morrow, and
perhaps they'll never come at all. But I say, this is coming to search
for the old gold city! I believe I'd rather have stopped at the
plantation killing blight and scratching the scale insects off the
peach-twigs. Here, I say, old chap!"

He addressed this to the pony, but there was no suggestion of his
address having been heard, so obeying a sudden impulse he dropped out of
the saddle, readjusted the sling of his rifle, and then tightened the
saddle-girths before going to the pony's head, to feel the head-stall
all over, and stroke and pat the little cob-like animal's neck, ending
by passing its ears through his hand, and then passing the back against
the velvety muzzle, with the result that his companion whinnied with
satisfaction.

"Now, old chap," he said, "we've got to get home, and I may as well be
honest. I can't guide you, and I'll let you have your head all the way,
and make you up a nice mash of meal in one of the buckets when we get
there for a reward. Think you can do it?"

"Yes," said the boy, after a pause; "silence gives consent, as I once
read somewhere. Now, which shall I do, ride or lead you? I shall ride,
for if I lead you it will be all a sham, and I shall only be getting you
into difficulties. So there: I'll trust you. Take your time. Want any
water?"

The boy pulled the little animal's head towards where he believed the
water to be, but it did not stretch out its neck, so he mounted again.

"Now then," he said, "back to camp."

The pony started at once, but Chris drew rein.

"No, no; that won't do. That's right, turn round. We don't want to go
any farther to-night. Now then, steady. Don't fall and pitch me over
your head. The way's right on, and you can't go