Soon the first runner came in with the stirring news that the Brabos were engaged with a party of Kurabus, which had tried to break through to the east, and by ten o’clock the Professor was startled by the sound of the guns at the fort.
The firing came from a direction which was almost due north, and turning to Ralsea, said: “I supposed they were way to the left of that position.”
“No; the river makes quite a turn at the point where they are, and from the information we received from the wounded Brabo, the wagon must be somewhere near the bend, which projects out to the east.”
“Then to reach the Osagas we must go still farther west?”
“Yes.”
The firing was a rapid one, and showed that they must be attacked with vigor.
Soon the firing ceased, and the Professor breathed freer, and the column pushed forward directly to the river.
The runner came in with news that the Osagas were within two hours’ march, and renewed energy was put into the marching force.
Uraso danced about the boys and expressed his delight at the opportunity to help them. He told them about the Professor, and of the two boys, but he did not know their names. He also told about several other boys who were held by the Illyas, and of a white man.
This latter information interested John and Blakely, of course. All of them ached for an opportunity to go to the Illyas’ country and effect their release.