"Save me, no, no, save me!"
Lightfoot was by this time awake also, and on her feet. To her the appearance of the chief seemed a matter of no surprise. Not that she had expected anything of the kind, but she looked upon the cave as a place of enchantment, and she believed that the spirits having it in charge, could cause the walls to open and close again at pleasure. And she recognized Fire Cloud as one of the chiefs of her own tribe. He was also a descendant of one of its priests, and was acquainted with all the mysteries of the cavern.
He told the prisoners that he had come to set them at liberty, and bade them follow.
They had got everything for their departure, when they observed for the first time that Black Bill was missing.
They could not think of going without him, leaving him there to perish, but the cavern was searched for him in vain. His name was called to no better purpose, till they were at last compelled to go without him, the chief promising to return and make another search for him, all of which was heard by the negro from his hiding place under the pile of skins as related in the preceding chapter.
The chief, to the surprise of Hellena, instead of going to what might be called the door of the cavern, went to one of the remote corners, and stooping down, laid hold of a projection of rock, and gave it a sudden pressure, when a portion of the wall moved aside, disclosing a passage, till then unknown to all except Fire Cloud himself. It was one of the contrivances of the priests of the olden time, for the purpose of imposing upon the ignorant and superstitious multitude.
On passing through this opening, which the chief carefully closed after him, the party entered a narrow passageway, leading they could not see where, nor how far.
The Indian led the way, carrying his torch, and assisting them over the difficulties of the way, when assistance was required.
Thus he led them on, over rocks, and precipices, sometimes the path widening until it might be called another cavern, and then again becoming so narrow as to only allow one to pass at a time.
Thus they journeyed on for the better part of a mile, when they suddenly came to a full stop. Further progress appeared to be impossible.