However, we don't know exactly which way they have gone; and it would be hopeless to search for them in the forest, during the darkness.
"What should they go to Toungoo for ?" "I have been thinking it over, master; and it seems to me that many of them may belong there, or to the villages near.

They may not dare return to their homes, because they are afraid that they would be punished for having left the army, and would certainly be sent off again to it.

Now they may think that, if they go back with a white officer and soldier, and tell some story of having beaten a great many English, they will be rewarded; and may even be able to remain some time in their homes, before they are sent off; or they may be ordered to march with their prisoners to Ava, where they would get still more reward.

I can see no other reason for their carrying off the officer." "I think very likely that is so, Meinik.

Anyhow, we are more likely to rescue my cousin, at Toungoo, than we should be while on the road.