and he worked the oracle with the King!"

"Yes, and afterwards sneaked off with Francis," Trent broke in
bitterly, "and took every bearer with him - after we'd paid them for
the return journey too. Sent us out here to be trapped and butchered
like rats. If we'd only had a guide we should have been at Buckomari
by now."

"He was right about the gold," Monty faltered. It's there for the
picking up. If only we could have got back we were rich for life.
If you escape - you need never do another stroke of work as long as
you live."

Trent stood upright, wiped the dank sweat from his forehead and
gazed around him fiercely, and upwards at that lurid little patch
of blue sky.

"If I escape!" he muttered. "I'll get out of this if I die walking.
"I'm sorry you're done, Monty," he continued slowly. "Say the word
and I'll have one more spell at carrying you! You're not a heavy
weight and I'm rested now!"

But Monty, in whose veins was the chill of death and who sought only
for rest, shook his head.

"It shakes me too much," he said, "and it's only a waste of strength.
You get on, Trent, and don't you bother about me. You've done your
duty by your partner and a bit more. You might leave me the small
revolver in case those howling savages come up - and Trent!"