The day wore on, and no attack was made. They undoubtedly saw the disposition which had been made of the three captives, and this, unquestionably, deterred them from making an attack.
“What shall we do after to-morrow for water? We have only enough to last us and the yaks for about twenty-four hours more,” asked Harry.
“How far is it to the river?” asked George. The Professor and John both judged the distance to be less than a half mile.
They all looked at each other, and read the import of the question in each other’s eyes. Should they make a fight to reach the river? With water they could defy the natives. It was a conclusion reached after a great deal of speculation.
When night came, and quiet again settled down, preparations were made for the transport of the wagon to the river. It was fortunate that the moon was not shining, but the night was clear, and this added some danger to the situation. At midnight, the yaks were unhitched, and the section nearest the forward end of the wagon pushed aside to permit them to pass through.
When they were yoked up, two of the captives were tied to the seat on the tailboard, and the top covering of the wagon raised sufficiently to enable them to manipulate the guns. The fort sections were secured in place, and quietly the wagon went forward.
They were as secure in the wagon as they had been in the fort, and the only danger was to the team, which might be struck by arrows, or they might be shrewd enough to aim at the animals, and thus prevent further progress.
“I fear,” said John, “that we shall have difficulty in guiding the animals through the brush, and I will lead them.”
This proposal was opposed by all, and he reluctantly consented to remain in the wagon. “I know,” answered Harry, “that I can see well enough to get us safely through, and it will be better to go slowly than to take such a big risk.”
The march began, and to their surprise, it was not answered by a shout or a shot. The savages had disappeared entirely. But before they had proceeded a quarter of a mile, the shouts and answering cries of the savages could be plainly heard.