CHAPTER III. Life and Death
Now that the horror of absolute solitude was upon them, Lady Greystoke's overwrought nerves gave way, and the reaction came. "Oh, John, the horror of it. What are we to do? If it were only you and I," she sobbed, "we could endure it, I know; but, the baby--" His great heart yearned to comfort her.
After calming her, he opened the box containing the rifles and ammunition, that they might both be armed against possible attack. His first thought was to arrange a sleeping shelter for the night; something that might serve to protect them from prowling beasts. Together they sought a favorable location.
Four trees were selected that formed a rectangle, and, cutting long branches from other trees, he constructed a framework around them, fastening the ends of the branches securely to the trees by means of rope, a quantity of which Black Michael fortunately had furnished him from the hold of the Fuwalda.
During the day the forest about them had been filled with excited birds of brilliant plumage, and dancing, chattering monkeys, who watched these new arrivals and their wonderful nest-building operations with every mark of keenest interest and fascination. By dusk the snug shelter was completed.
