During the next two hours the little party pressed steadily forward, making their way with difficulty through the tangled foliage, and then Neal was forced to ask for another halt.
"I must rest awhile," he said. "My feet are sore, and it seems impossible to take another step."
Poyor halted, was about to seat himself, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, he said:
"Wait here. I will soon be back."
The white members of the party were too tired even to talk. Throwing themselves upon the ground they enjoyed the luxury of rest, and, convinced there was no danger to be apprehended from the enemy until daylight, Neal and Teddy gave themselves up to the embrace of slumber.
An hour passed before the apparently tireless Poyor returned, and he awakened the sleepers by saying:
"I have found that for which I sought. Come with me, and repose until labor will seem a pleasure."
"What is it? A cave?" Neal asked sleepily.
"More than that. An underground house where we can live in safety, unless the retreat should be discovered."
It was a great exertion to get into traveling trim; but all hands did it after a time, and Poyor led the way, although he had probably been there but once before, as if following a familiar path.