The plan of Brom was acted upon the moment the savage orgies commenced. Three were to steal around to the west and pour in a volley into the savage crew, volunteering to undertake the perilous task, and risk escape. Brom Vail, with Revel, took it upon himself to steal along the bank of the river, and attempt two things: the release of the Irishman, and to learn, if possible, something concerning Rhodan and the Indian girl. The young man was filled with sad forebodings in regard to these. His great joy, then, at the last dénouement may be imagined.
But their situation was yet extremely perilous, and all realized it. Of course an attempt to leave through the passage they had just entered was not to be thought of. And the water-passage—would not the terribly-aroused Indians guard its entrance, believing it communicated with their retreat?
“There’s little doubt of it,” said Brom, as they consulted. “They must ’a’ seen me in the scrimmage just now, an’ known me. That ’ud be enough, ’cos they know how I escaped afore.”
“Mebbe they didn’t know ye,” said Mace. “They hedn’t a chance ter look close, as to thet. Besides, you forgit that y’ur rig’s different frum what ’twas. Thet canoe I brought in helped ye to a change o’ garments as well’s to a rifle.”
At this moment dull sounds came faintly to their ears from above.
“The devils ar’ workin’!” remarked Scarred Eagle. “Take hold o’ here, Mace!”
The latter assisted him to push one of the canoes into the water. Scarred Eagle stepped in. Mace was about to follow.
“No, Ben,” said the other. “Wait here with the rest. One’s enough to reconnoiter now.”
He pushed off in the darkness, the others anxiously awaiting the result. Meantime they ever and anon put their ears close to the upward passage. The Miamis above were still at work endeavoring to force an entrance.
Ten minutes passed and Scarred Eagle came back with the canoe. The news he brought was any thing but encouraging. He had advanced far enough to see that a number of the enemy stood upon the high bank of the river, with their gaze fixed upon the subterranean entrance.