nearly midnight before
Jet understood that it was time for them to take their departure . When the men got ready to turn in for the night , one or the other might take a fancy to have a look around to make sure they had no unwelcome visitors , in which case the spies would be discovered . Motioning Jim to follow his example , he started toward the shore , moving at a snail 's pace to prevent a noisy disturbance among the foliage , and not until they were in the boat once more paddling toward the opposite bank did he feel at liberty to draw a long breath . Arriving at the point from which they started , Jim insisted on carrying the boat to the clump of cedars , and this required so much time and labor that it was nearly midnight before they could seek the well-earned rest . Even then Jet took pity on the prisoner , and removed the gag sufficiently long to give him food and water , the small guide standing over him with the cocked revolver , lest he should make an outcry . `` What are you boys countin ' on doin ' with me ? '' he asked , when his hunger and thirst had been appeased .