It surely seemed as if they might better their condition very materially by making this change, and, in view of all things, it was the proper manœuvre since by remaining there was no doubt the party would be discovered, when a regular siege must necessarily be the result.
There was yet a considerable amount of the roasted tohs on hand. This was wrapped in leaves with the remainder of the provisions, and all the luggage made up in three packages, for it had been decided that the boys should not be called upon to carry any burden.
"It may be that we shall be obliged to move quickly," Poyor said, "and it is best they have nothing but their guns."
When everything was in readiness for the start the Indian went outside once more to reconnoiter, and on his return the final preparations were made.
He, Cummings and Jake fastened the bundles to their backs; Neal and Teddy were cautioned to take plenty of cartridges from the general store, and then, Poyor leading the way, they emerged from the cave.
CHAPTER XIX.
A CHANGE OF BASE.
Although the boys did not know the full extent of the danger, they could understand something of the anxiety felt by both Cummings and Poyor when the shelter of the cave had been left behind.
The latter moved with the utmost caution, taking half a dozen steps and then stopping to listen; halting whenever the foliage rustled more than he fancied was usual and otherwise acting as if believing the enemy had completely surrounded them.