There was a sharp hissing. Something struck the rock above the Hunter as he was stooping over Venning, and fell down into the fire. It was a barbed arrow. He fired again, scattered the fire with a kick, and crouched over the boy. Several arrows rang viciously against the rock. He felt for Venning's carbine, swung it round with one hand, and emptied the magazine, firing at different points. With yells of disappointment, rage, and fear, the creatures of the night fled once more.
"Are you all right, my boy?"
"Yes; but what does it mean? What were they? I thought the thing was a snake."
"What did you see?"
"Something staring out of the shadows. I could not make out what it was, and as you awoke it seemed to jump forward and strike."
"Ay, the blow fell on my belt. Thank God, you warned me; but it was my fault. I should have kept awake. They're only women, lad. Don't let any fancies come into your head."
Venning sniffed. "Smell anything? Seems to me like sulphur."
"It's the gunpowder fumes, hanging low."
Venning sat up. "What is that booming noise?"
"The sound of falling water."