CHAPTER XXV.
"IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY AND THE SAILORS OF THE MAINE!"
"They must have followed the courier in spite of his cleverness," exclaimed Clif. "And if they have tracked him, they know we are here. The question is, shall we meet them here or take to the boat and run the risk of being shot down without a chance to defend ourselves? The danger is yours as well as mine. What do you say?"
But before the men could make reply a rousing cheer from the Spanish soldiers rang out upon the air.
The little band of Americans expected to see the forms of their enemies appear among the trees at every second in an impetuous charge upon them. They had no doubt that the cheers were the signal for the attack.
But to their amazement the sounds of approaching steps died out. Clif's practiced ear told him that the enemy had halted; but at the same time he recognized marks of enthusiasm among the Spanish forces.
What could it mean?
"Do they think they can scare us off by yelling at us?" exclaimed Clif, contemptuously. "They don't know us, if they think so—that's all!"
The group of Americans listened intently. There was no doubt of it, the Spaniards had halted after their vociferous cheers.