He had much to do.

His journey into the town had not been one of idle curiosity to see how the Spaniards conducted themselves in victory.

It had been inspired by a very different purpose, and he had gained in the course of it all the information he desired.

He had an extremely busy night before him, and must be moving.
He went off briskly in the direction of the stockade, where his fellow-slaves awaited him in deep anxiety and some hope..