I shouted to attract his attention.
There was no response, save the echoes of my own voice, that reverberated in duplicate along the twin cliffs of the chasm.
I shouted a second time, louder than before.
Still only echoes—mingling with the cries of a caracara eagle, that soared scared-like into the air.
Again I put forth my voice—calling the robber by his name, and summoning him to listen to our proposal.
But there was no answer—not even a responding exclamation!
Outside the hut there was heard the hoarse roaring of the torrent, that rose continuously from below—above, the caracara still repeating its shrill screech; but inside there was only silence—ominous, deathlike, appalling!
I could bear the suspense no longer.
Directing one half of the men to keep their places—and cover our approach with their rifles—with the other half I started towards the dwelling.
With a rapid rush we reached it—coming to a stop in front of the doorway.