His tale was soon told.  Fearing to follow the path from the cove, since the villain might have set a guard there, he made his way through the undergrowth directly towards the centre and highest part of the island. Over and over again he had to attempt a fresh passage, the thickets proving too dense even for his accustomed skill.  At length he came across a small stream, which he followed to its source, which afterwards proved to be not far from the spot where our men were surprised.