For a mile or more the course was not entirely unknown to me, although the darkness obscured all familiar landmarks.

The negro, however, apparently possessed the instinct of an animal, or else had night eyes, for he never hesitated, keeping close along the edge of the stream.

The tree-branches brushed our faces, but our feet pressed a well defined path.

Farther in, the shadows becoming more dense, this path wound about crazily, seeking the level spots; yet Le Gaire moved steadily forward, his head lowered, and I kept him within reach of my arm, barely able to distinguish the cautious tread of feet behind.

Clearly enough he knew the way, and could follow it with all the certainty of a dog.