"It would seem as if with so many they ought to run us to the ground finally," Cummings said musingly. "Where were those fellows going?"
"They had been following the wet track examining the caves, and began near the range of hills which forms the east boundary of their country. One of the party believed we had doubled back in order to cross the swamp, and if we can remain hidden it may not be long before all the searchers will be sent in that direction."
"Did they make any talk about what would be done with us in case they run us down?" Jake asked.
"All are to be taken to the city alive, if possible, and it is not hard to say what would be our fate there."
"What do they do with their captives?" Jake continued, as if this not very cheerful subject fascinated him.
"A white man would be sacrificed in the temple before the gods, and the death stroke would not be delivered until much torture had been inflicted."
"Don't talk of such horrible things," Teddy interrupted nervously. "It can do us no good to learn all the terrible particulars. I want to keep my mind on the one idea of escape."
"That is where you are right," Cummings replied approvingly. "We shall be worth any number of dead men for some time to come, and won't discuss even the possibility of capture. When are you going to start, Poyor?"
"When I have bound more guaco leaves on this man's wound," was the answer, and now the boys noticed that he had brought a fresh supply of the wonderful shrub.
After preparing it as before the bandage was removed, and by the light of a splinter of fat wood which Cummings fired with a match, it could be seen that the edges of the gash had already united.