Scarred Eagle was the first to speak, which he did in a low whisper, as if fearful it might be heard above the noise of the subterranean passage.
“We must arrange carefully. Can you creep in thar by standin’ on my shoulder, Goodbrand?”
“Yis, easy; quick. Easy to move the earth above. Den we can keep below slope of bluff, an’ not be seen.”
“Understand then. You go first. If them out yonder come this way for any cause, all that ar’ left here at the time ’ll scull back after firin’ into the enemy. After that, failin’ to hear any one outside the passage from the chamber, it shell be taken as a signal that this way is yit secret, and that help is waitin’ hyar. Now—stiddy the canoe, men, while Goodbrand mounts ahead.”
The latter, stepping upon the shoulder of Rhodan, easily got within the fissure, and began to clamber up. It was necessary to go scarcely his length, however, when he encountered the covering of earth.
“Be keerful!” admonished Scarred Eagle. “Don’t let any of the earth fall back, nor a stone.”
The most intense and painful anxiety now prevailed. So near to escape on one hand, and to capture and death on the other.
Goodbrand worked forward cautiously. Gradually he removed the slight barrier of earth, and they saw him push his head through, and knew he was taking a rapid survey of the bluff. In a moment he settled back, and turning his head, whispered:
“All clear—come on!”
Having warned them, he moved again, and in a moment had passed entirely out, throwing himself flat upon the ground outside.