Charley for a moment looked after him regretfully, then turning, he quickly rejoined his companions behind the barricade.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE RETREAT.
A few words gave his companions the substance of the conversation. "Now," he continued, "I wish we could all get together in the camp for a few minutes to talk this thing over, and decide on our next move, but it's too risky to leave the wall unguarded, although I don't believe they will try another assault before dark."
The young Seminole spoke up, "when the Big Tiger speaks, the whelp is silent, I will stay."
"Golly, I reckon dis nigger ain't no good at planning, spec I better stay here, too," observed Chris.
A parting volley was fired into the forest, and under cover of the smoke the rest retired quickly to the lean-to.
The wounded man was lying awake on his couch, his keen, black eyes burning with an unnatural light.
Although he must have been suffering intense pain from his wound, his features were calm and composed. He tried to rise as the hunters entered, but could not raise himself even on his elbow.