he should be here by this time. I haven't
heard the report of his rifle for a long while."

"Most likely we are too far away for the sound to reach us. We will wait
half an hour longer, and then I will go back to see if anything has
happened."

Cummings had hardly ceased speaking before the Indian appeared in their
midst, having come so softly that no one heard him until he stood before
them.

"It is not a good watch you keep," he said to Cummings, speaking in
English.

"We cannot guard against such an approach as yours. Where are the
enemy?"

"I left them at the edge of the forest. Knowing how we are armed they do
not dare to follow very close; but when the sun rises a hundred will be
at our heels."

"Shall we go on now, or will you rest awhile?"

"I am ready. We have no time to lose."

Cummings rose to his feet, the others following his example, and the
Indian started forward without delay.

"How far are we from the sea-shore?" Cummings asked as the march began.

"More miles than we shall travel for many days. By sunrise every
sentinel will know we are here, and it will be impossible to break
through their lines."

"Then how are we to get home?" Teddy asked in alarm.

"He probably hopes to find some place where we can stay in hiding for
awhile. In this section of the country there are many large caverns in
which streams of water are invariably found, thus causing the belief
that a subterranean river flows from the valley to the sea. If we stop
at one of them until it is decided we have succeeded in escaping, you
will not be able to take the steamer as intended."

"But we may have to stay two or three weeks."

"Better that than to be captured," Cummings replied, and then he
relapsed into silence.

During the next two hours the little party pressed steadily forward,
making their way with difficulty through the tangled foliage, and then
Neal was forced to ask for another halt.

"I must rest awhile," he said. "My feet are sore, and it seems
impossible to take another step."

Poyor halted, was about to seat himself, and then, as if suddenly
remembering something, he said:

"Wait here. I will soon be back."

The white members of the party were too tired even to talk. Throwing
themselves upon the ground they enjoyed the luxury of rest, and,
convinced there was no danger to be apprehended from the enemy until
daylight, Neal and Teddy gave themselves up to the embrace of slumber.

An hour passed be