There were swift rivers to cross, precipices to climb, and
jungles to penetrate. The heat was intense, and the men began to suffer
from it. The advance was very slow, and soon the provisions gave out.
It began to seem probable that the whole expedition would perish in the
mountains. Sam called a council of war, and, at Keene's suggestion,
picked out the two most vigorous privates, who went ahead bearing the
alleged Baluna letter and another from Gomaldo's renegade friend, who
was nominally in command, asking for speedy succor. The two
ambassadors were well schooled in what they should say, and were
promised a large sum of money if they succeeded.
For two long days the party waited entirely without food, and they were
just beginning to despair, when the two men returned with a dozen
carriers sent by Gomaldo bringing an ample supply of bread and meat. He
also delivered a letter in which the native general congratulated his
friend on his success in leading the reenforcements and in capturing
the prisoners, and gave express instructions that the latter should be
treated with all consideration. The carriers were commanded by a native
lieutenant, who insisted that the prisoners should share equally with
the native troops, and saw to it personally that Sam and his friends
were served. His kindness cut Sam to the heart. After a few hours'
delay the expedition set out again, and on the following day it reached
the mountain village where Gomaldo had established himself.
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