Suddenly, they heard the noise of a volley behind the Illyas, and the latter made a concerted rush for the underbrush to the west, as Muro, with his men, sprang forward through the clearing; and the boys, with Stut, sprang from the wagon and started the cheering, followed by the warriors.
Muro rushed up and embraced Stut and the boys. A hurried breakfast was prepared, and the fort sections replaced. There was no time to lose. They must get back to John and be prepared to take part in the capture of the great village of the Illyas.
CHAPTER XIII
THE REMARKABLE DISCOVERY AT BLAKELY'S MOUNTAIN HOME
It was the custom of the Professor to take the boys each week for an outing in some direction from Unity. The most attractive part was toward the great forest, west of the large river. Several boats had been made, which were used principally for fishing, and one of these was usually taken. They would then sail down the little branch stream, on which the town was located, and cross the large river.
During the entire time they were at the village Blakely had not gone across the river, although he frequently indicated a desire to do so, particularly to look up the location of the home on the hill at the forest's edge, where he found seclusion from the savages for nearly nine months.
The Professor and the boys insisted on his accompanying them on this occasion, and having given instructions to the men, they manned the large boat and were soon on the western shore of the river.
The large quantity of driftwood, which was in evidence here, as elsewhere, attracted the attention of Jim, as he turned to the Professor.