“We’ll have to keep on guard, and shoot the first man who shows himself,” put in Casbury.
“Maybe they’ll try to starve us out,” came from another of the frontiersman.
“We’ve got rations enough for a week or more, on a pinch,” said Rodney. “We’ve got our regular things and also that deer Barton shot early this morning, and some rabbits.”
“How about water?” asked another.
“We’ll have to see about that,” said Sam Barringford.
Satisfied that the Indians did not contemplate an immediate attack, the old frontiersman, accompanied by Rodney, made a tour of the cave, lighting a torch for that purpose. In one corner the rocks were found to be very damp, and when some were pulled up a little water trickled forth.
“Thar’s a spring thar,” said Barringford, with satisfaction. “We kin do a bit o’ diggin’ an’ then have all the water we wish.” A little later two of the regulars set to work, with pike-poles and shovels, and soon had a hollow made into which the water flowed to a depth of several inches. The water was brought up in a dipper, and proved to be both clear and wholesome.
As the time slipped by the whole party became more composed, and Nell and the twins clamored for their delayed dinner. A meal was prepared in the cave, which the men ate while on the watch.
“Oh, Rodney, will the bad Indians catch us in here?” asked Nell, as she came up to her elder brother.
“I think not, Nell,” he answered, hopefully.