or him to reach Muro, as the hill directly to the east was
alive with warriors.

It was now Muro's turn to get the sympathy of the boys, and both of them
turned to John, who still seemed unperturbed.

"We will march directly to the east," he announced. "Every man must hold
his gun ready for instant firing. Move forward quietly, as you have been
doing. We must go to the assistance of Muro. Uraso will take care of the
rear."

They glided along the crest, directly behind John, and as they passed
over the hill, it was evident that the natives were out in force.

"I wonder whether they have captured Muro?" asked Harry.

"No; he is all right. You may depend on it that he will not be taken
without a warning shot is given."

"But we heard a shot."

"True; but that was the messenger."

From the manner in which the natives in their front were scurrying to
and fro, it was apparent to John's practiced mind, they had no idea of
the approach of John and his party. It was plain that they knew of Muro,
or, at least of some one beyond the second hill, where John inferred
Muro must have gone, because all their energies appeared to be directed
toward that point.

"I am afraid they are after Muro, but I am sure if he finds himself in
danger he will fire a shot to warn us. In such a situation we must
attract their attention. I will detail the first squad to accompany me.
All those remaining will conceal themselves, and under no circumstances
show yourselves, or let your presence be known, unless you are attacked.
We will go to the point beyond the two large trees, and make the
demonstration there, thus drawing them away from Muro."

John with the six men designated hurried over the intervening ground,
just as two shots, undoubtedly from Muro, broke the quiet, and placed
the watchers on the alert. In less than ten minutes the boys heard a
volley to the right, and almost instantly the opposite slope was alive
with natives running to and fro in all directions, and the most peculiar
cries were heard, while in the distance there was a singular rhythmic
sound as though drums were being beaten, in regular time.

It sounded very weird and fascinating. The drums, if such they were, had
different keys, and their companions did not appear to be able to give
any information about them.

While thus waiting for John to appear, the watchers were surprised to
see the force which was between Uraso and themselves, rushing alongside
the hill, a