We may be sure that he beat off the fellows who were attacking him, but they will all take to the woods, and he would never be able to get any distance among the trees.

Besides, he would give up all hope of finding us there.

As to our getting back through the wood, swarming with savages, it seems to me hopeless." "Then whatever is to become of us ?" Tom asked, hopelessly.
"Well, the lookout is not bright," Ned said thoughtfully, "but there is a chance for us.

We may keep ourselves by killing wild animals, and by pushing inland we may come upon some people less treacherous and bloody than those savages by the seashore.

If so, we might hunt and live with them." Tom groaned.
"I am not sure that I would not rather be killed at once, than go on living like a savage." "The life is not such a bad one," Ned said.