"We had better be going, my lord," the Arab said as he saw the men with
torches retracing their steps along the brow. "They will soon be after
us."

"I think not, Nessus. Their chance of finding us among these boulders
in the dark would be small, and they would offer such good marks to our
arrows that they would hardly enter upon it. No, I think they will wait
till daybreak, planting a strong force at the mouth of the ravine, and
along both sides of the end, wherever an ascent could be made. Hark, the
men on the heights there are calling to others along the brow."

"Very well, my lord," Nessus said, seating himself on a rock, "then we
will sell our lives as dearly as possible."

"I hope it has not come to that, Nessus. There is a chance of safety for
us yet. The only place they are not likely to look for us is the cave,
and as we have climbed down from above with the rope, there will be no
difficulty in ascending."

Nessus gave an exclamation, which expressed at once admiration of his
leader's idea and gratification at the thought of escape. They began
without delay to retrace their steps, and after some trouble again found
the rope.

Nessus mounted first; his bare feet enabled him to grip any inequality
of the surface of the rock. Whenever he came to a ledge which afforded
him standing room he shook the rope, and waited until Malchus joined
him.

At last they stood together at the foot of the perpendicular rock at the
top. The lightly armed Arab found no difficulty whatever in climbing the
rope; but it was harder work for Malchus, encumbered with the weight
of his armour. The numerous knots, however, helped him, and when he was
within a few feet of the top, Nessus seized the rope and hauled it up
by sheer strength until Malchus was level with the top. Then he gave him
his hand, and assisted him to gain his feet. They entered the cave and
made their way to the further end, and there threw themselves down. They
had not long been there when they saw a flash of light at the mouth of
the cave and heard voices.

Malchus seized his spear and would have leaped to his feet, but Nessus
pressed his hand on his shoulder.

"They are come for the she bear," he said. "It is not likely they will
enter."

Lying hidden in the darkness the fugitives watched the natives roll the
bear over, tie its legs together, and put a stout pole through them.
Then four men lifted the pole on their shoulders and started.

Another holdin