“What is it, sir?” cried Griggs anxiously.
“Come and see,” was the reply.
The doctor made his way through the hole and crossed the chamber into which it opened, before entering the next, closely followed by the boys and Griggs, who caught up their rifles as they passed them, dragging the ropes as they went.
As they entered the second chamber it was to see the doctor join Bourne at the window-opening, while beyond them stood Wilton sheltering himself behind a patch of bushy growth hanging from above, as he stood watching something intently through the doctor’s double glass.
“See any more, Wilton?” said the doctor anxiously.
“Scores,” was the reply, given without the speaker turning his head. “You can see for yourself; they’re collecting together on the very edge of the cliff away there, and at first they stood gazing down into the depression.”
“Do you think they saw you?” said the doctor hoarsely.
“Oh no, I feel sure that they did not at first, and I have kept in shelter since; but they have caught sight of something else.”
“What?” cried Griggs.
“Ah! You there?” said Wilton sharply. “You had better come and have a look through this glass; you may be able to tell what race they are.”