Although the existence of the cave was known to the members of the tribe generally, the whole of its secrets were known to the medicine men, or priests only.
In fact it might be considered the grand temple where they performed the mystic rites and ceremonies by which they imposed upon the people, and held them in subjection.
Flint immediately set about fitting up the place for the purpose which he intended it.
To the few white trappers who now and then visited the district, the existence of the cave was entirely unknown, and even the few Indians who hunted and fished in the neighborhood, were acquainted only with the outer cave as before stated.
When Flint was fully satisfied that all danger from pursuit was over, he set out for the purpose of going to the city in order to perfect the arrangements for carrying out the project he had in view.
On passing out, the first object that met his view was his faithful follower Black Bill, siting at the entrance.
"How the devil did you get here!" was his first exclamation.
"Follered de Ingins what was a comin' arter massa," replied the boy.
Bill had followed his master into the wilderness, always like a body servant keeping near his person when not prevented by the Indians, which was the case while his master was a prisoner.
When the escape of Flint was discovered, he was free from restraint, and he, unknown to the party who had gone in pursuit, had followed them.