Meriem was thankful for
whatever circumstance had resulted in the leaving of that particular
tree where it was, since it gave her the much-needed avenue of
escape which she might not otherwise have had.
From her hiding place she saw Malbihn again enter the jungle, this
time leaving a guard of three of his boys in the camp. He went
toward the south, and after he had disappeared, Meriem skirted the
outside of the enclosure and made her way to the river. Here lay
the canoes that had been used in bringing the party from the opposite
shore. They were unwieldy things for a lone girl to handle, but
there was no other way and she must cross the river.
The landing place was in full view of the guard at the camp. To risk
the crossing under their eyes would have meant undoubted capture.
Her only hope lay in waiting until darkness had fallen, unless some
fortuitous circumstance should arise before. For an hour she lay
watching the guard, one of whom seemed always in a position where
he would immediately discover her should she attempt to launch one
of the canoes.
Presently Malbihn appeared, coming out of the jungle, hot and puffing.
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