"It is barely possible they may not find this cave; the entrance is small, and almost hidden by the brushes."
"Yet I found it in the night."
"True," Cummings replied gloomily, and as he said nothing more Poyor went to the stream to quench his thirst.
While passing by Jake he accidentally brushed the latter's arm with his foot, and the engineer was on his feet in an instant, staring around stupidly as if believing the enemy was upon him.
"Why didn't you call me to stand my watch?" he asked in a loud tone, and Poyor, darting back to his side whispered:
"It is not safe to make any noise. Do not so much as speak aloud."
By this time the boys were aroused, and when the Indian had cautioned them in turn all three went to where Cummings was seated.
"Are we going to move, or have you concluded to stay here?" Neal asked.
"We shall be obliged to make this our headquarters for a few days. Poyor has seen people from the city in the immediate vicinity, consequently it is advisable to keep under cover."
"Do you think we will be able to leave in a week?" Teddy asked anxiously, and Cummings replied evasively: