“No, Mace, ’tain’t it. I don’t b’lieve I’m deceived in thinkin’ these ahead is them that ar’ takin’ the dead an’ wounded to the village. They hev ter move slow, an’ that’s why we’ve overtook ’em.”
“What’s ter be done? Ef we wait ter foller ’em—”
He was interrupted by Rhodan’s grasping his arm, and for a moment or two they almost held their breaths. Both entertained the same suspicions now, and were waiting to see if these would be verified.
They did not remain long in doubt. The fact that the party ahead had begun to move on again, making considerable noise, did not deceive the scouts. They were almost sure some of the party had turned back, evidently suspicious of being followed.
It was easy for the rangers to evade these. But they wished to do more. The evident suspicion in the mind of the Indians, that a white foe had been secretly dogging their steps, must be dispelled; otherwise an attempt to enter the village unperceived, would be worse than useless.
“They’ve heerd sunthin’ thet makes ’em suspicious,” said Scarred Eagle. “They must go on, satisfied ’twas a panther on thar tracks scentin’ the blood of the wounded warriors. Come in here, where the darkness is thicker.”
They moved to the left, keeping a yard or two apart, and taking steps which might indeed be mistaken for those of the animal named. Under a dense foliage they halted, and then a purring sound broke out through the stillness. As the slight echoes ceased, an almost imperceptible stir was heard not far ahead; but this as suddenly ceased, and all became silent again. It was evident the fellow had not entirely taken the bait.
Scarred Eagle and Mace now dropped upon all-fours and stole forward, imitating the stealthy advance of a panther.
Suddenly the silence was again broken by a cry that caused startling echoes around. These had scarcely died away when the sound of feet was heard retreating rapidly toward the Indian camp. The ruse had succeeded.
“What now, Rhodan?” said Mace, as they rose.