They had already packed up the bales of presents for the blacks, and placed them on the horses.

Some of their more valuable belongings were packed away in a secret hiding place, the rest were left to take their chance till they returned; and indeed, except by their friends among the shepherds, there was little probability of anyone paying a visit to the hut, however long their absence might be.
Had it not been that Jim had proved himself a really useful fellow, for the last week, they would have shot him at once and tossed his body in the wood; but they found it so pleasant, having all their work taken off their hands, that after a short discussion they decided to take him with them.
The door was locked, and they started at a trot; but evening was closing in, their horses had already performed two long journeys in the last twenty-four hours, and they soon settled into a walk.

They travelled for some hours and, it being then evident that the horses could proceed no further, a halt was called.

No fire was lighted, for they were scarcely beyond the settlements and, for aught they could tell, an active search might still be carried on for them.
So anxious were they, that they agreed to keep watch by turns; but when morning broke, it was discovered that the black was missing.
The next quarter of an hour was spent in angry recriminations; but as none could say in whose watch he made his escape, their quarrel ceased.
"It's no use bothering about it," the leader said.

"There's one thing, he knows nothing, and can tell nothing against us.