A guttural “Ugh” served as an affirmative reply, and Bill said:
“Chief, take the foremost, and, mind ye, hold the she-devil fast!”
A moment later the twain realized that the intruders were opposite them, and a low “Now” from the giant’s lips impelled them forward.
Nehonesto’s hands closed on Coleola, and Doc Bell threw the Yellow Bloodhound to the ground!
“I calkilate how a purty mess hez been spiled,” laughed the hunter, in tones of triumph, and a cry drew our hero and Swamp Oak from the cavern.
“Here, Bob, hold this devil!” cried Bell, relinquishing the renegade to Somerville. “I want thet fellar what they left above us.”
He sprung toward the mouth of the cave, where he stumbled over the crouching form of a man.
“Mercy!” groaned a trembling voice as the giant regained his feet.
“John Williamson!”
“Yes, but spare. Oh, spare!”