What it could mean no one knew, and as Andy cowered in mortal terror against the side of the shaft, Jenkins saw a human form outlined upon the lighter darkness of the opening.
Raising his revolver he fired, and a heavy body fell to the ground almost at their feet.
“What is the matter?” Gil asked, unable longer to remain silent.
“I’m blest if I know. Anyhow, here’s one of the villains, an’, what’s worse, he ain’t dead.”
Again a tumult in the tunnel was heard, and Nelse cried:
“The fellows who were trying to surprise us have fallen into the underground chamber. So much is certain; but what’s the meaning of that?” and he stopped for an instant as the shrieks from the forest rang out again in such a tone of agony there could no longer be any question that a human soul was being sent to its final account.
The terrifying cries died away in the distance, even as the little party listened, and once more silence reigned, save when the wounded mass of humanity gave vent to a groan.
Unless one believed in voudooism as did Andy, everything was incomprehensible, and even the old darky could think of no satisfactory explanation just at this moment, for he cowered close to the others, shaking like one in an ague fit, and clutching with the strength of despair at the mysterious “something” concealed beneath his shirt.
One, two, three minutes more passed, and then Jenkins said, with a long-drawn breath:
“I can’t stand this sort of thing any longer, boys. We’re bound to find out what’s been goin’ on, an’ the facts can’t be any worse than a fellow’s imagination as he stands here shiverin’.”