There was no further protest. A half hour would not be long, and within ten minutes after they reached the river bank the floats could be ready, and from that vantage point they would be able to defy the island.
Muro kept his position in the wagon top and soon called out to John:
“They are driving the Kurabus toward the river. We had better stop.”
“If that is the case the fort should be erected,” answered John.
“By all means.”
“Harry, drive the wagon up to the large tree at the elevation to the right; and get ready, boys, to unload and place the sections in position.”
Within five minutes the wagon was turned around and one end abutted the tree. This was a small pine, with the branches not far from the ground, and the lower limbs could be easily reached by those in the wagon top.
The fort sections were installed within ten minutes thereafter, and the guns and ammunition arranged in the order agreed on. The victorious bands were having things their own way. The Illyas were next to the river, and the Kurabus were farther inland.
The pursuing Brabos were following direct after the Kurabus, and the other tribe, which had not yet been made out, were on the trail of the Illyas, and the latter were, therefore, moving directly toward the wagon.