noon
To fight in trenches against a foe who had no cover nor any firearms was rather a different thing from bearding them in their own lair . Nevertheless , about twenty men came forward , including a guide , and Trent was satisfied . They started directly after breakfast and for five hours fought their way through dense undergrowth and shrubs with never a sign of a path , though here and there were footsteps and broken boughs . By noon some of the party were exhausted and lagged behind , an hour later a long line of exhausted stragglers were following Trent and the native guide . Yet to all their petitions for a rest Trent was adamant . Every minute 's delay might lessen the chance of saving the boy , even now they might have begun their horrible tortures . The thought inspired him with fresh vigour .