This the sergeant ventured to point out, reminding his officer that they had come by the road along the river.
"So we did," said Butler shortly.

"Bu' we go back by way of Tavora." They had no guide.

The one who had conducted them to Regoa had returned with O'Rourke, and although Souza had urged upon the lieutenant at parting that he should take one of the men from the quinta, Butler, with wit enough to see that this was not desirable under the circumstances, had preferred to find his way alone.
His confused mind strove now to revisualise the map which he had consulted in Souza's parlour.

He discovered, naturally enough, that the task was altogether beyond his powers.

Meanwhile night was descending.
They were, however, upon the mule track, which went up and round the shoulder of a hill, and by this they came at dark upon a hamlet.
Sergeant Flanagan was a shrewd fellow and perhaps the most sober man in the troop--for the wine had run very freely in Souza's kitchen, too, and the men, whilst awaiting their commander's pleasure, had taken the fullest advantage of an opportunity that was all too rare upon that campaign.