.

Consolation.
Our heroes, who in all their anticipations had never calculated on anything but fine weather and unlimited rations and congenial occupation, began to entertain serious doubts as to the joys of founding an empire, as they trailed dreadily along in the rain after Bowler and Gayford.

The weaker of the party had no spirit to suggest anything themselves, or to question what their leaders suggested; so they followed doggedly where they were led, neither knowing nor caring whither.
With Bowler and Gayford it was otherwise.

They felt rather ashamed of themselves for having lost their heads earlier in the day and resolved now to atone for it in the only way they could.

They put a brave face on the situation, and tried to impart their courage to their followers.
"I tell you what," said Bowler cheerily, as the seven stood again on the rocks at the water's edge; "it wants a good hour of dark, and the least thing we can do is to spend the daylight in looking for some proper place of shelter and something to eat, if we can find it.