I could finish it all, straight off.

Why, we shall be as badly off as if we were adrift at sea, in a boat." "Not quite so bad," James replied.

"We can chew the leaves of some of these bushes; besides, people don't die of hunger or thirst in four days, and I hope, before that, to be safely on board." Not until it was perfectly dark did they leave their hiding place, and, by the aid of the bushes, worked their way up to the top of the ascent again.

James had impressed on his companion that, on no account, was he to speak above a whisper, that he was to stop whenever he did, and, should he turn off and descend the slope, he was at once to follow his example.

The midshipman kept close to his companion, and marvelled how assuredly the latter walked along, for he himself could see nothing.
Several times, James stopped and listened.