In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which followed the alarming discovery.
Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.
Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by the same means to Gil and Andy.
The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net which was being drawn tighter each moment.
Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.
During a few seconds neither of his companions understood why he halted so suddenly, nor what caused the unusual rustling among the foliage, and then Gil realized, more by the sense of touch than of sight, that the mate was putting forth all his strength in a struggle for the mastery, the loser of which might expect only death.
For an instant it seemed singular that the black did not summon others to his aid, and then Gil learned that the sailor had grasped his adversary by the throat, thus preventing him from making any outcry.
Once this discovery had been made, the only question was as to how the mate might be assisted, and Gil could think of no way, except to seize the man by the legs, which he did with such suddenness and strength that the fellow was hurled to the ground, his head striking an uncovered root a resounding thump that deprived him of consciousness.
Now was the time to continue the flight, for every second was precious, and the little party pushed on through the underbrush at a rate of speed that promised to give them a decided advantage over possible pursuers.
At the best pace each ran, Jenkins leading the way, the others following in single file, each grasping the clothing of the one in advance that they might not be separated. The blows received by coming in contact with the low-hanging branches were not noticed in this race for life, nor did any heed the dangers that might be encountered by a misstep, or a mistake as to the course; but all pressed on literally for dear life, and when twenty minutes had passed Jenkins paused at the mouth of the shaft.