"Ah! they have gone," exclaimed John, as he emerged, and glanced across the ravine, and along the walls which extended up from the shore of a little stream below. "They have gone to the north,[p. 119] and have, probably, tried to seek safety in the other cave."
"How are we going to get back?" asked George.
"Do you think there will be any trouble in that?" asked John.
"We shall have to go clear over the mountain for that, I'm afraid."
"We are not far from the entrance," said John, "and if we intend to catch up with the Korinos, we must not delay for a moment."
The party made a hurried trip around the hill, and the Chief was surprised to learn that there was another entrance, or an outlet to the cave on the north[p. 120]ern side. None of his warriors was aware of this, however.
John was now in a quandary. He was exceedingly anxious to secure the Korinos, but at the same time there was some things in the appearance of the cave that he wished to investigate. This was confided to Uraso and Muro, and the latter suggested that he and Uraso would undertake to follow the fleeing men, and return to the village, while John and the boys made the desired investigation.
This was readily assented to, and they at once made their way across the hill, while John informed the Chief of the action which they had decided to take. One of the principal men of the village, in whom the Chief had confidence, and who knew the location of the upper caves, accompanied Uraso and Muro.