CHAPTER XXV.
THE RESCUE.
It was a night of anxiety for Charlie and his faithful guide, and with great joy they hailed the first streaks of day-light, when they set out on their perilous journey in the track of the Warrigals. Quandak's vision and judgment were never before put to such a test, and bravely he encountered every obstacle which the fugitives left behind in order to obliterate their trail. The bush was set fire to in several places, and all traces were adroitly confounded, but to no purpose, the experienced tracker surmounted them all, and like a blood hound, was gaining quickly upon them.
The course taken by the fugitives led along the summit of the range, parallel with a wild mountain stream, until arriving at a certain point where some tracks diverged from the main, down towards the river.
Quandak was at a loss which of these to follow, as the Warragals had apparently separated, in order, no doubt, to baffle pursuit, He, however, followed the most legible which the largest body of the tribe had taken.
After travelling for a little distance with great care, he came to a dead halt, exclaiming, with a doubtful shake of the head, "Baal come up this way," and instantly retraced his steps to where the tracks separated.
He then followed those leading towards the cliffs, when he suddenly picked up something off the ground, and with delight exclaimed, "Ah Baal! stupid Maria," at the same time exhibiting a bit of that female's calico dress, evidently dropped by her in order to lead her husband on the right track.
This signal infused fresh vigour into the trackers, who prosecuted their task with indefatigable energy. They now scrambled down precipitous cliffs and other obstacles towards the river, Quandak picking up several pieces of calico.
On arriving at the last ledge of rocks overhanging the river, a sight burst upon their view which filled them
