More quickly than they had entered, back they sprang towards the parapet, and on gazing after them, our heroes found that the hill-sides were clear.
It was evident, however, that a great battle was going on down beneath on the prairie.
Explanation is hardly needed.
Rodrigo's men, guided by Benee, had outflanked--nay, even surrounded--the foe, and with well-aimed volleys had thrust them back and back towards the river, into which, with wild agonizing shouts, all that was left of Kaloomah's army was driven.
They were excellent swimmers, the 'gators were absent from this river, and doubtless hundreds of fugitives would find their way back into their own dark land to tell how well and bravely the pale-faces can fight.
But Kaloomah, where is he?
Intent on revenge, even while the battle raged the fiercest and the whites were being driven back, his quick eye caught the glimmer of the candle-light in the cave.
Leeboo was there, he told himself, and the false witch Weenah.
He shortened his knife, and made a rush for the entrance.
"Hab--a--rabb--rr--rr--ow!" That was the voice of the great wolf-hound, as he sprang on the would-be assassin and pinned him to the ground.