But Jack, listening, only pressed the speaker’s arm for quiet. For the sound had gone on in the tangle, coming nearer and nearer. It was so faint, even at its loudest, that not once did it attract the attention of the three braves on guard. At times even Jack fancied that he must be mistaken, that it was nothing more than his excited imagination. But then the sound ceased; to his amazement he saw first one form and then another lift itself from the ground. That they were Indians was evident even in the dense shadow; but why they should approach in that silent fashion puzzled Jack extremely.
The three Creeks, all with their faces toward the captives, had their backs to the place where the mysterious night prowlers had appeared, and so they did not see them appear; neither did they see them advance.
Within a half dozen paces of the boys one of the newcomers raised his hand in a warning gesture for silence. There was a characteristic something in the gesture which Jack Davis immediately recognized.
“Running Elk!” was his mental exclamation.
Step by step the Cherokee hunter and his companion advanced. Within springing distance there was a pause; then with the silent bound of the panther, each leaped upon a Creek guard. Without a sound the unsuspecting braves fell under their blows; like lightning they were upon the other one before he fairly realized what had taken place, and with strong bronze fingers twisting about his throat he was borne to the earth.
The lads needed no words to tell them what to do. With a shake they were free of their bonds; a half dozen steps took them to where their horses were tied, the saddles still upon their backs. Near by, and perilously close to the sleeping form of the chief of whom Frank had spoken, were their rifles, powder horns and other equipment; noiselessly possessing themselves of these, they cut the ropes which held their horses and quietly led them toward the spot where Jack had seen Running Elk and his fellow hunter appear.
The third Creek had been quickly disposed of; and now the two Cherokees were free to turn their attention elsewhere.
“Horses, good!” muttered Running Elk in Jack’s ear. “Make ’um fast run—away.”
At the edge of the thicket the boys climbed into the saddle; the two hunters mounted behind them. Then with a word to the faithful nags, they rode unnoticed through the Creek camp. A signal whistle was heard from a sentinel at the outskirts. This was the sign that speed, not silence, was the necessary thing; so they dug their heels into their horses’ ribs and with a scattering flight of arrows dropping harmlessly about them, they dashed away into the forest.