The only objection which could be found in this new refuge was that it had not been taken possession of by tohs. Cummings searched everywhere in vain for the "chickens," and the troubled look on his face spoke plainly of his disappointment in failing to find a supply of food close at hand.
"If we should be discovered and besieged it will be a case of short rations," he said as the little party returned to the opening to wait for Poyor.
"Don't you suppose there are fish in the stream?" Teddy asked.
"I never heard that there were; but even if it was stocked with them we should be none the better off since there are neither hooks nor lines here."
"Neal and I have got plenty of both, so what's to hinder our finding out? A fresh fish wouldn't taste badly."
"Very well. I'll stay here on guard, and——"
He was interrupted by the arrival of Poyor, who had crept through the short passage without making sufficient sound to be heard by those who were supposed to be watching, and, speaking in English, he said to Cummings:
"I do not think there is any one near here, and now I wish to go further on to learn where the next line of sentinels is posted. We may be able to change our quarters again, and if every move takes us nearer the coast we shall be gaining just so much every time. You must keep a better watch, however, for if I can surprise you, so can others."
"I will take it upon myself to see that no one else is able to do the same thing," Cummings replied with a laugh. "When you are outside in the vicinity I always feel secure; for the best Chan Santa Cruz that ever lived couldn't pass without your knowledge. Did you hear anything of importance while we were hiding so near that party?"
"From what they said it is positive fully a hundred men have been sent from the city to search for us, and with the sentinels there must be double that number between here and the coast."