“Now for the rescue!” cried Jerry.
They reached the hut, which was in a shadow. As they were at the entrance, there emerged from it eight figures.
“We are here,” spoke Mr. Deering. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” answered Jerry. “Come with us now, we will save you.”
There was no reply from the others, but Ned thought he heard a woman sobbing. It was a long hope realized. The prisoners had been rescued, but they had yet to be taken from the deep valley and away from their savage captors.
[CHAPTER XXIX]
THE FIGHT
Silently the little band—the rescuers and the rescued ones—filed past the temple. They had to cross in front of it to take the path which led to where the airship was anchored, but they thought there would be little danger, on account of the important ceremonies going on.
“You take the lead, Jerry,” advised Jim Nestor in a low voice. “I’ll guard the rear. Have your guns handy. No telling what may happen, but it looks as if we were going to make a quiet getaway.”