They were doomed to disappointment, however, for when Muro returned with the intelligence that it was either the Brabos or the Illyas, he knew they were not his people.
“What would the Brabos be doing in that direction?” asked John.
“Probably come from Kurabu village, and more Brabos up this way.”
Properly translated this means, that the Brabos, during the absence of the Kurabus, had attacked the latter village, with one portion of their band, and that the other part had gone to the west to intercept the Kurabus from attacking in that direction.
“If you are correct, we are right in the center of the place where the three parties will meet,” said John.
Muro nodded and continued: “May be Osagas coming.”
“Would they come from that direction?”
Muro again replied affirmatively. The only direction now open was to the north. “What shall we do?” asked Blakely.
“Fight!” was John’s laconic reply.
An open place was selected, near a stream, and the fort erected within a few minutes after the halt was made.