Either he was still too far away to hear, or he did not wish to return.
The blacks did not regret being rid of his presence; but, as Mrs.
Weldon had just said, perhaps he was still more to be feared afar than near.

And, moreover, how explain that Negoro would venture alone into that unknown country?
Had he then lost his way, and on this dark night was he vainly seeking the way to the grotto?
Mrs.Weldon and Dick Sand did not know what to think.

However it was, they could not, in order to wait for Negoro, deprive themselves of a repose so necessary to all.
At that moment the dog, which was running on the strand, barked aloud.
"What is the matter with Dingo ?" asked Mrs.Weldon.
"We must, indeed, find out," replied the novice.

"Perhaps it is Negoro coming back." At once Hercules, Bat, Austin, and Dick Sand took their way to the mouth of the river.
But, arrived at the bank, they neither saw nor heard anything.

Dingo now was silent.
Dick Sand and the blacks returned to the grotto.
The going to sleep was organized as well as possible.