They ca n't have gone far . '' We were spared this trouble , however , for when we were washing up the dishes the ponies returned of their own accord . Kate caught them and harnessed them . `` Are we going on ? '' I asked mildly . `` Of course we 're going on , '' said Kate , her good humour entirely restored . `` Do you suppose I 'm going to be turned from my purpose by the defection of a miserable old Indian ? Oh , wait till he comes round in the winter , begging . '' `` Will he come ? '' I asked . `` Will he ? Yes , my dear , he will -- with a smooth , plausible story to account for his desertion and a bland denial of ever having seen our ham . I shall know how to deal with him then , the old scamp . '' `` When you do get a conscientious Indian there 's no better guide in the world , but they are rare , '' I remarked with a far-away look . Kate laughed . `` Do n't rub it in , Phil . Come , help me to break camp . We 'll have to work harder and hustle for ourselves , that 's all . '' `` But is it safe to go on without a guide ? '' I inquired dubiously .
I had n't felt very safe XXXXX Peter Crow , but I felt still more unsafe without him .
Of by for from in on till to with without