CHAPTER X.
ALONG SHORE.
The curious incident served to lift for a brief time the oppressionthat rested upon all. The remarkable part of it was how Miss Marlowecould believe she had left her revolver in her home when it was in thepocket of her dress, where, it would seem, she ought to have felt itwhile walking across the lawn to the boat, even if she had forgotten toexamine that most natural receptacle for it when she first missed theweapon.
"It is the most stupid thing I ever did," she declared. "I meant tokeep it in my hand while coming from the house, and, awaking to thefact that it was not there, did not stop to examine my pocket. It istoo bad."
"We have gained an additional means of defense," observed Mr. Turner,"and that may be decisive before we are through with this business."
Now that all were together again each was impatient to be on the move.Wharton and Turner began using the poles with the skill shown some timebefore, and once more the unwieldy craft swung slowly down the Ganges,with all on board alert for the first sign of their enemies. The womenwere advised to remain in the small cabin, where they would be safeagainst stealthy shots.
As the boat crept under the shadows along shore the spirits of allimproved, for it seemed that with every rod placed behind, them thedanger was diminished, and by and by would vanish altogether.
"That, however, cannot be," said the doctor to Jack Everson, as theysat a little apart from the rest, near the bow of the craft. "Intruth, I see but one possible escape for this party."
"What is that?"
"I have already referred to it. It will take us weeks to reachCalcutta on the east or Bombay on the west, and between us and each ofthese points the hell fire will rage for months to come. To go southis equally suicidal, since it would take us into the heart of theinsurrection. I repeat that there is but one thing to be done: that isto push northward, as I said, until we reach a people too far removedto be affected by this deviltry."
"To find a simple people where our knowledge of medicine will cause usto be looked upon as superior beings. I have discovered a remedy forthe bite of a cobra which will stand one in good stead, should a nativebe bitten. They believe, you know, as does the rest of the world, thatthe bite of this serpent is certain death. But I have discovered aremedy, the necessary drugs of which I carry in this case," touchingthe leather case strapped to his back.
"Beyond all doubt. You have tested this remedy of yours?"
"I have, twice."
"Upon man or brute?"
"Upon both."