lage for the purpose of informing the chief of the fact, or,
they might be from one of the villages announcing reinforcements.

As night approached, and no word was had from the force with the wagon,
John directed Muro to take twenty-five of the best men, and go directly
south in search of the convoy.

George and Harry accompanied the teams, and when they left the main
column the forest was skirted in their trip southwardly. It was known
that the forest was less dense in that direction, and after traveling
thus for nearly four hours, the men delegated to beat the forest to the
east, announced that they might safely turn to the east, which meant two
hours more of struggling through a country which, without the warriors
to aid them, would have been impossible.

Most of the men were ahead of the team with their bolos, cutting down
and dragging away the trees and bushes, and thus forming a trail which
would allow the wagons to pass. It was past six in the evening when the
river was reached.

In order to gain as much time as possible, Stut and the boys concluded
to push across, and move northwardly along the eastern bank, as it was
evident the eastern shore afforded the best route.

Before the plan could be put into execution a body of Illyas appeared in
force before them. They hastily drew back, and after consulting,
concluded to proceed north along the western bank.

They had not proceeded a quarter of a mile before they ran into an
ambush of Illyas, and two men were struck by arrows. Stut gave the order
to fire, and the bush was cleared. Immediately a force appeared in their
rear, but Stut advised an advance, as such a course would bring them
closer to relief.

Another mile was traversed, but the first lesson was heeded, and the
enemy did not come close enough to enable the gunmen to get an
opportunity to shoot. But now an unforeseen obstacle presented itself.
They had been marching along the more or less elevated bank of the
stream, and directly in their path was a stream flowing into the main
one, with steep and rocky sides, so precipitous that it would be
impossible for the wagons to cross them, heavily laden as they were.

The Illyas appeared in force behind them, and apparently none were to
the front, thus indicating that they did not believe the wagons could
cross, and in this they were right. It was growing dark. Harry suggested
that they make camp and arrange for protection during the night.

This was do