that they were obliged to follow one of the numerous paths made by the
animals in going to and coming from the water. The doctor, by virtue
of his superior knowledge, took the lead, with his daughter close
behind, and Jack Everson bringing up the rear. They were silent and
thoughtful, for their spirits were oppressed by a deep gloom and the
feeling that something dreadful impended.

Not far off the path which they were following expanded into a natural
clearing two or three rods in extent. When they reached the spot the
doctor halted and faced his companions.

"I now know where we are," he said in an undertone; "we have to follow
this path a little way back, when we enter a hilly and rough country,
where the jungle is more open. It is cut up by numerous trails like
this, most of which have been made by the feet of wild animals, but one
of them leads northward and finally enters a highway, which if followed
far enough will land us in the Nepaul country."

"I assume from what you have said that it will not be safe to stick to
this road?" said Jack.

"No; for two or three days while travelling over it we shall be in
constant danger; our task will be to make our way over it without
attracting the notice of any of our enemies who are scouring the
country for us."

"Is the thing possible?"

"I should not undertake it did I not think so; the danger will threaten
for probably a hundred miles, though growing steadily less as we