“Have at the devils an’ save Mace—hyar ’e comes!”
And as Scarred Eagle spoke, the three bounded toward the remaining Indians; but the latter wheeled and struck toward the forest, as a stentorian voice behind yelled:
“Spring on for y’ur lives! The hull pack o’ hellions ar’ turnin’ back!”
A few desperate springs brought them to the bluff, where, dodging behind a bowlder, they found Devine guarding the passage, the Indian girl having already entered.
Mace was the last to creep in, and he had just time to do so, and close up the passage, when a score of Indians dashed upon the rocks. As he crept on after the rest down the narrow, rugged passage, he kept filling it behind him in such a manner that it would take hours for an enemy from without to force it. And yet he could not help thinking it might be their last hiding-place on earth.
Only faint, rumbling echoes came to the ears of the fugitives as they passed to the subterranean chamber. But they had no reason to doubt the doubly enraged Miamis knew where they were concealed, and would watch them to the last extremity.
Of course, midnight darkness reigned in the chamber; but it was provided with pine torches, and one of these was soon lighted. All of them were too much excited to converse for a time. Not five minutes had elapsed since the work of torture was interrupted; and now, behold, all except Goodbrand and Hill were safe from present danger.
The arms of Brom tenderly supported the Indian girl. The Irishman had sunk down exhausted; and Scarred Eagle, warmly shaking the hands of his deliverers, was rapidly informed of their several adventures, and they then began to consult anxiously.
CHAPTER X.
THE FORLORN HOPE.
The appearance of Ben Mace in the last scene may be briefly explained.