Part 22 (1/2)

”That the best thing for you to do is to hold your peace.”

”Such is my own theory,” added Fred, who had no patience with the fellow. ”h.e.l.lo!”

As he spoke he made an upward leap, and catching the slight projecting ledge of rock, to the amazement of the others, drew himself up and secured stable footing. A few seconds were spent in a hasty survey, when he dropped nimbly beside them again.

”I think there is a way out,” he whispered; ”but we can't climb up there alone--that is, all of us: we have got to have help.”

”And that cannot be obtained.”

”Yes, it can; the grape-vine is just the thing; I can fasten one end of that above, and then a.s.sist every one to the top.”

”But it will be too dangerous for you to go back--”

”Wait right where you are,” broke in Fred; ”don't move or make any noise; I won't be gone long.”

And before any more objection could be made he vanished in the shadow.

Standing thus, with all their senses on the alert, they heard sounds that were anything but rea.s.suring.

The notes of the whip-poor-will and the dismal hooting of owls came from different portions of the wood. Whether or not the Indians knew precisely what the fugitives had done, they were unquestionably aware that something unusual was going on.

A minute's reflection could not fail to show to all their hapless situation. It may be said they were literally walled in, with their enemies perched on the rocks on every hand, able to hold them there as long as they chose.

However, no one was disposed to give up effort while any grounds for making such effort was open.

As there was no saying how long the fugitives would be forced to wait for the return of the lieutenant, they sat down on the rocky seats, taking care that they kept in the dense shadow that had served them so well.

Eva nestled by her father, and had placed her hand in his, and was in the act of asking a question, when the sharp report of a rifle was heard above their heads, and only a short distance off.

The instant thought was, that Fred G.o.dfrey had either shot some one, or had been fired at himself.

But Mr. Brainerd was sure that the report came from the pile of rocks that commanded the cavern just vacated by them. This was a vast relief, but all shuddered to think what the results would have been had the weapon been discharged only a few minutes before.

With the bullet sent from such a point, it could not have failed to do execution, for it will be recalled that the fugitives, while preparing to start, were exposed to any bullet that might be sent into the opening.

The supposition was, that though the red men could not see any of the whites on account of the deep shadow to which we have referred more than once, they knew the location of the cavern itself sufficiently well to fire directly into it.

It will be seen, as a consequence, that such a shot, sent fifteen minutes earlier, must have caused the death of one, at least, of the company.

But, after all, would it have been anything more than antic.i.p.ating by a few hours their certain fate?

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Meanwhile, Fred G.o.dfrey was making the most of his opportunities, and the gra.s.s did not grow under his feet.

The distance pa.s.sed over by himself and friends was so slight, that he was back beneath the cavern within a couple of minutes after bidding them such a hasty good-bye.

No one could have been more alive to the situation than he, who halted directly under the place that had sheltered him and his friends for a brief while, and looked and listened.