The doctor offered to go on in front with a negro who had never wished to leave Madame des Odonais.

The two went off; they waited for them several days, but in vain.

They never returned.
"In the meantime the victuals were getting exhausted.

The forsaken ones in vain endeavored to descend the Bobonasa on a raft.

They had to again take to the forest, and make their way on foot through the almost impenetrable undergrowth.