“And no one knows we’re here,” Brad agreed. “We’ll have to go. Right now.”
The Cubs were reluctant to leave Old Miquel alone, for he appeared in a half-dazed condition. They were certain that he needed not only food and better living quarters, but medical attention.
Nevertheless, it seemed hopeless to try to persuade him to leave with them. Their best bet, they thought, would be to go for assistance and return as quickly as they could.
The three Cubs tried to tell Miquel of their intention. It was obvious, however, that he did not comprehend.
They were ready to leave when Dan’s keen ears detected an unusual sound in the cavern.
“Listen!” he whispered.
Brad and Red already were aware of the sound at the entranceway to the cavern. They distinctly could hear splashing as if more than one person were wading along the passageway.
“Someone’s coming!” Dan warned.
“Those Indians probably,” Brad whispered back. “They’ve found the entranceway! Now we’re in for it.”
Old Miquel also had heard the sound, for he listened attentively, though without undue interest. After a moment, he went on eating his meal with complete unconcern.