As he spoke he made an upward leap, and catching the slight projecting ledge of rock, to the amazement of the others, drew himself up and secured stable footing. A few seconds were spent in a hasty survey, when he dropped nimbly beside them again.
"I think there is a way out," he whispered; "but we can't climb up there alone—that is, all of us: we have got to have help."
"And that cannot be obtained."
"Yes, it can; the grape-vine is just the thing; I can fasten one end of that above, and then assist every one to the top."
"But it will be too dangerous for you to go back—"
"Wait right where you are," broke in Fred; "don't move or make any noise; I won't be gone long."
And before any more objection could be made he vanished in the shadow.
Standing thus, with all their senses on the alert, they heard sounds that were anything but reassuring.
The notes of the whip-poor-will and the dismal hooting of owls came from different portions of the wood. Whether or not the Indians knew precisely what the fugitives had done, they were unquestionably aware that something unusual was going on.
A minute's reflection could not fail to show to all their hapless situation. It may be said they were literally walled in, with their enemies perched on the rocks on every hand, able to hold them there as long as they chose.