"You come too, papa," insisted Eva, catching hold of the arm of her father, who smilingly took a step or two.
"Yes," added Maggie, "if we all place ourselves beyond reach, why should not you do the same?"
He explained the situation.
"If the Indians get to that mass of rocks opposite, they can shelter themselves and shoot into the cavern until there is not one of us left."
"But is it necessary for you to stay out there, and draw their fire to keep them away from us?"
"Not exactly, but we must see that they do not creep to the spot; before doing so, they must pass under our aim, and it will require no great marksmanship to prevent them."
Thereupon, directing Gravity and Habakkuk to keep strict watch upon the place, with their rifles cocked, Mr. Brainerd deliberately reloaded his gun, and shifting his position so as to screen himself from the bullets that were certain to be sent into the place, he sat like a cat watching for a rat to come out of its hole.
The fugitives talked in low tones, for there was something in the uncertainty that was impressive.
Now that they were removed from imminent danger, they could breathe with some satisfaction, though sobered by their peril.
"It's all that Jake Golcher's doings," said Aunt Peggy, who was at the extreme rear of the cavern, with one arm around the neck of Eva and the other inclosing that of Maggie.