"On the contrary, Ned, we ought to press forward as hard as we can, for it
is very possible that at that village where we were recognized--I suppose
because they had heard about the horses--they may have dispatched people
to the main road, as well as further on to stop us here; and we may be
pursued at any moment, if there happens to be any native cavalry upon the
road. Evidently they are very much in earnest about catching us, and have
sent word to look after four people on two horses all over the country, or
they could not have known about it at the village yesterday evening."

"I am afraid you are right, Kate; if we could turn off this road I should
not fear, but the river cannot be far to our right, and the main road is
to our left. There is nothing for it but to press straight on.
Fortunately, the country is not thickly populated, and there is a good
deal of jungle. If the worst comes to the worst, we must leave our horses
and go on foot again. I fear that is more fatiguing for you, but we can
hide ourselves a good deal better."

It was late in the afternoon when Rose cried. "They are coming, Ned; there
is a party of cavalry behind!"

Ned looked round; and far back, along the straight road, he saw a body of
horsemen.

"They are a long distance behind," he said; "now for a race!"

The boys plied their sticks, and the horses sprang on at full gallop.

"How much are they gaining, Rose?" he asked, after twenty minutes' hard
riding.