re in full pursuit. In an incredibly short space of time the shelving
path along the rocky wall, adjacent the cave, was filled with warriors,
who could now plainly see the wagon at the brink of the river, and the
Professor and John soon appeared and urged haste back to the wagon.

Ralph ventured the opinion that while there might be fifty or more in
the party, he was sure that a still greater number were available, and
when Tom, the other boy, was appealed to, replied that there must be
considerably more than one hundred, if not a hundred and fifty in the
tribe who might be mustered to attack them.

When the wagon was reached all were cautioned not to waste any
ammunition, as they had but little to spare. The savages came up and
took position far beyond the range of the guns, and the open space
afforded them a much better protection than would have been available,
even at the hill.

It was evident, however, to George and Harry, that John and the
Professor had some other reason for urging the sudden departure from the
mouth of the cave. Neither could have seen the savages approaching from
that point, and they noticed the two looking at each other when the
savages made their appearance in front of the cave.

There was no time for questionings now. Would they attempt an attack? It
was past midday, and hunger had been forgotten. While both of the
rescued boys had kept within the wagon as much as possible during their
flight from the hills, they were very weak, and had been given food in
small quantities, so as to accustom their contracted stomachs to the
stimulating action of the nutriment.

Within an hour new parties approached from the rear. Reinforcements were
coming, and they probably intended to delay the attack until the entire
force was available. This looked very serious indeed, but through all
the Professor was grave and dignified, and showed no evidences of being
unduly disturbed at the gathering clans.

"What we need fear more than anything else now is a night attack," was
the Professor's comment, as he watched their movements.

Ralph stepped up to the Professor, and said: "I do not think they will
venture to do so, because I do not remember that they have ever
attempted to do so at night. The tribe that captured us always made
night sorties, but these people never did, and for that reason I do not
believe they will attempt it now."

The Professor thanked Ralph for the information.

CHAPTER VI