Blake was very ill, and something must be done to save him; but for a while Harding could not see how help could be obtained.

Then an idea crept into his mind, and he got Benson to ask the Indian a few more questions about the locality.

When they were answered, he began to see his way; but he waited until supper was over before he spoke of his plan.
It was getting dark and raining hard.

Blake was asleep; the Indian sitting silent; and the fire crackled noisily, throwing up a wavering light against the surrounding gloom.
"I suppose I needn't consider you a friend of Clarke's ?" Harding began.
"There's no reason why I should feel grateful to him; though I can't blame him for all my misfortunes," Benson replied.
"That clears the ground.

Well, it must have struck you that Clarke's account of the whereabouts of the Stony camp doesn't agree with what the prospectors and this Indian told us.