The secret of the bird’s sudden disappearance was explained for there was a rustling among the ferns far behind, as if some large body was forcing its way along the ravine; and as Jem backed slowly into the cavern, Don cautiously peered from behind a mass of stone into the hollow, to see that some one or something was approaching rapidly, as if with the intention of scaling the rock, and climbing to where they lay.
Chapter Thirty Four.
Among Friends again.
“It’s all over with us, Mas’ Don,” whispered Jem, as soon as they were some little distance in the retreat. “That blackguard Ramsden’s sure, after all, that we’re in here, and that Tom Hoppers has come to his senses, and felt it was me as hissed at him, and they’re coming to hunt us out.”
“Let’s hope not, Jem.”
“Yah! What’s the good o’ hoping.”
Churr–urrt shrieked the cockatoo from far below.
“There now,” said Jem. “Hark at that! He’s telling ’em we’re in here, and coming on before to show ’em the way.”