“They are going to fight, that is sure,” observed Ralph.
“Let’s make a big show, anyway,” cried Harry. “Put a gun through each one of the portholes.”
The fort had four portholes on each side, and a gun was thrust through each and balanced in position.
It now appeared that an enveloping movement was taking place on the part of the savages. After disappearing, they could be seen at different quarters, as they again approached.
Without a word of warning a shower of arrows came from all sides, and Harry cautioned them to be cool and shoot only when a distinctive mark could be seen.
All was quiet within the fort, until Harry said: “See that chief near the large tree? I will make a try for him.” Carefully taking aim, he fired. This was the shot which John and the Professor heard.
They did not wait for any explanations. “I hope the boys are safe,” the Professor remarked, as they hurried forward.
“They are no doubt at the wagon. I advised them to go there and not wait for us.”
“Do you suppose that shot means they have discovered the wagon?”
“I have no doubt of it. They would be very stupid, indeed, not to be able to trace us, and that was the reason I admonished them to go to the wagon.”