Moorooine identified the speaker in time to stay the arm of Brom, raised to strike a supposed enemy.
As Goodbrand sprung in, the voice of Scarred Eagle was heard above the din:
“Hyar they come; give them a volley or we’re lost!”
Another canoe was sweeping up, the occupants paying no attention to their companions in the water. Not two rifle-lengths separated them as Scarred Eagle spoke. Almost immediately the four rangers fired, doing fearful execution; then, taking advantage of the confusion, they swept back toward the subterranean chamber.
But the Indians, now reinforced by another party in canoes, soon followed. The rangers had barely effected a landing when they found two or three canoes within twenty yards of the retreat. One of them carried a torch.
“The devils know our weepons ar’ empty, an’ don’t mean to give us time. Load quick, and if they come too soon, club y’ur rifles!”
As the veteran scout issued this command he himself began to reload, the rest following suit.
“Quick! here come!” suddenly exclaimed Moorooine.
As she spoke she darted back, and a canoe rounded the turn, the torch in its prow revealing the cave and inmates distinctly.
“Hyar they be—beat back the devils!” shouted Scarred Eagle and Mace together.