Part 21 (2/2)
The attenuated limbs were becoming dimly visible, when the New Englander seemed to become tired, for he uttered an aspiration now and then as though seeking to hold his breath.
Fred shuddered, for a listening Indian can hear such a noise a long way on a still night.
”Keep quiet,” commanded Fred, forced to speak dangerously loud; ”hold your breath.”
McEwen tried to obey, but the explosion, when it came, was worse than before.
”He is either a fool, or is seeking to betray us into the hands of the Indians,” muttered the indignant youth, speaking hot words, that meant more than he intended.
The next minute Habakkuk reached the limit of the vine, and let go, with the purpose of dropping to the ground; but, as if fate was determined to interfere, he caught his trousers, and was instantly inverted, his head hanging downward, while his feet pointed toward the stars.
CHAPTER XXVII.
”Great Caesar!” exclaimed the terrified McEwen, as he began swinging back and forth, head downward, like a huge pendulum; ”won't somebody set me right side up?”
”Not another word,” whispered Fred, catching him by the shoulders and jerking him loose, ”or I'll dash you head-first on the rocks.”
With some difficulty, the troublesome New Englander was placed on his feet, and finally the whole party stood erect at the bottom of the ravine, unharmed and hopeful.
”If we are captured, it will be due to the presence of a natural-born idiot with us,” said Fred; ”listen!”
It seemed at that moment as if a dozen owls were calling to each other from different points in the woods. One or two sounds came from the rocks overhead, near where the path terminated its ascent, and must have been uttered by those who were seen there by G.o.dfrey a short time before.
”They have discovered us,” he added, ”and it is now do or die.”
Not another word was spoken, and the youth led the way along the ravine without any definite idea of where he was going, or whether there was any chance of escaping what might be the very trap into which their enemies were seeking to lure them.
The ground was rough and stony, and they scrambled forward like a party of mountain tourists in a great hurry.
Fred G.o.dfrey maintained his place at the head, Maggie and Eva close behind, while Aunt Peggy, Mr. Brainerd, and Habakkuk McEwen followed.
When they had gone less then a hundred yards, all were relieved by finding they were steadily rising.
If this peculiarity continued, they must soon reach the level ground above, and, in the darkness, would be able to go a good distance before morning.
But it was almost idle to hope, for the thought was scarcely in their minds when the whole party were brought to a standstill by coming squarely against the solid wall.
”Is this the end of the path?” asked Brainerd, observing the dilemma that checked them.
”I hope not--but let's look. Those signals going back and forth across the valley refer to us. I believe the whole Indian force know what we have done, and are arranging to capture us.”
The probabilities pointed that way, and, when several minutes' hurried search failed to find an outlet to the ravine, which now narrowed until the two sides met, something akin to despair took possession of the fugitives.
”It's my belief,” ventured McEwen, ”that the best thing we can do is to open negotiations with the Senecas, with a view of obtaining honorable terms. What are your views, Mr. Brainerd?”
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