The place seemed eerie and lonesome, and suddenly I grew afraid.

I began to wonder where Pereira was, and what he might be doing.

I even thought of turning back and finding some way round, only having explored all this district pretty thoroughly in my various shooting expeditions from the camp, I knew there was no practicable path across those hills.

So I went on with my rifle at full cock, whistling to keep up my courage, which, of course, in the circumstances was a foolish thing to do.

It occurred to me at the time that it was foolish, but, in truth, I would not give way to the dark suspicions which crossed my mind.