He was now convinced that these men came to do him a harm, and he resolved not to let them come near him while he had a shot left in his rifle, or he was able to pull a trigger.
He felt this delay more keenly than he had all the obstacles that beset his course since he left Gold Cave Camp to reach his father.
By a perilous and round about way he had come, and when within a few miles of the objective point for which he had struggled so bravely, he found himself stopped by men, who, according to all the laws of humanity, should have been his protectors and friends.
It was much like a brave swimmer's sinking within touch of shore, or a starving man's hand falling helpless by his side when just within reach of food.
But Sam Willett had the courage and the devotion that obstacles could not weaken nor sufferings ever change.
With every trial he grew stronger, more determined to reach the father, who was nearly always in his thoughts, and never for an instant absent from his heart.
To add to the trials of the situation night was coming, and under its cover Sam was now convinced that these men would try to make their way to the top of the rock on which he and his faithful companions had found a refuge.
"I've heerd tell o' war," groaned Ike, "an' I've seed men as fit an' fout, but thar wasn't none of 'em as eber got cornered as we is now. If I wasn't so awful holler I'd kneel down and pray, for if de good Lor' wants to help us He'll neber hab a bettah chance."
"Don't lose heart, Ike. Help will come in good time," said Sam, with a cheeriness of manner that did not at all indicate his actual feelings.
"I no cannee see how help him can gettee to us, but I no cale. Only can die one time," said Wah Shin, with the stolidity of bearing and that indifference to death which so often distinguishes the Mongolian.