The inmates of the hole were in the confusion of terror, but at last Flatnose and his son, Moonface, succeeded in pacifying them, and a consultation was under way.
"Where is Shan Rhue?" asked Stella. "I haven't seen him for some time."
"That's so," answered Ted. "I don't see him." He scanned the hole carefully, but Shan Rhue was not there.
"Is there any secret passage by which he might escape?" asked Ted.
"Do you see that little shelter of canvas over against the wall?" said Stella.
Ted nodded.
"I believe there is a way out there known only to Shan Rhue. That is where he slept," she continued.
"Then he has escaped by it. Sol Flatbush is not in evidence, either. I'll bet a cooky they've skipped."
It was getting light in the east, and the Indians rode once more into the passage, firing their rifles. Then they charged.
But soon they came rushing back; the boys at the entrance had again repulsed them.