By comparing notes, Mason and the ranger came to a good understanding, and realized the situation of affairs across the river pretty accurately.
It was while they were debating as to their future course, that an alarm occurred in the shape of the sudden appearance of an Indian, who had stumbled upon the cave by accident, as his surprise would seem to indicate.
The prairie ranger proved too quick for the red American, however, and hurling himself upon the Indian, he brought him to the ground.
Here he was speedily secured, with Mason's assistance, and rolled into a corner for safe-keeping.
Fearing lest more of these unwelcome guests should make their appearance, Bolly took his station in the passage leading to the cavern, and there remained all night, while Mason and Adele slept within, or at least made a pretense of sleeping.
But the darkness passed away without any alarm, and daylight found them in the same order, only that all signs of the dead giant had strangely vanished from the cavern, in which mystery Bolly was a participant.
Leaving the others, the ranger went out on a scout, and came back in an hour or so with the news that the remainder of the cavalry were intrenched among the hills on the other side of the river, and battling with the Sioux.
Bolly also brought with him the choice portion of a deer he had shot.
It took but a short time to gather fuel, and soon the olfactories of our friends were greeted by the delicious aroma of roasting venison.
Breakfast dispatched, the situation was discussed again, and at the end of the council it was decided best to remain where they were, and await the movement of the troops.