Ever since they had made the ghastly discovery in the jungle, the latter had been more silent even than the gravity of the situation demanded.

Now he sat, nursing his rifle, listening to the mysterious voices of the jungle, and thinking as if for dear life.

Meanwhile his companions slept soundly on, secure in the fact that he was watching over them.
At last Hayle rose to his feet.
"It's my only chance," he said to himself, as he went softly across to where Kitwater was lying.

"It must be now or never!" Kneeling beside the sleeping man, he felt for the packet of precious stones they had that day obtained.

Having found it he transferred it to his own pocket, and then returned to his former position as quietly as he had come.