unition last, they would be able, from the mouth of the cavern, to
keep at bay any number of assailants."

The party pushed on, stopping but a brief time to refresh themselves,
till at the close of the day their guide told them that in a couple of
hours more they might arrive at the caverns. Their leader's intention
was accordingly to set off before daybreak, so as to reach the
neighbourhood of the caverns soon after dawn, when the Indians, if still
there, would be taking their morning meal. There was still much cause
for anxiety, for should they suspect the trick that had been played
them, and cunning as they were they were very likely to do so, they
would certainly search every place in the neighbourhood in which the
escaped captives were likely to have taken refuge; for they well knew
that Vaughan Audley was unable to walk, and that his companions could
not have carried him far on their backs. A strict watch was kept by
Captain Layton during the night, lest the natives might discover them
and attempt an attack. The night however passed over quietly, and at
the hour proposed, Miantomah, rousing up the party, led the way towards
the hills. The birds were saluting the early dawn with their tuneful
notes, when, just as the hills came in sight amid the trees, a shot was
heard, followed by another.

"On! on!" cried the Indian guide. "Our friends have been discovered, as
I feared, and are defending themselves; but, though they may hold out
for some time, their ammunition must soon be expended, when the Monacans
will, to a certainty, not spare their lives."

These remarks were not required to hasten the steps of the party.
Gilbert, incited by love for his brother, dashed on at the top of his
speed, followed by Fenton, Oliver Dane, and Ben Tarbox; even the Indian
could scarcely keep up with them. The sound of shots continued to reach
their ears; it encouraged them, showing that their friends were still
holding out. In a short time they could hear even the shouts and cries
of the Indians, as they climbed the hill, endeavouring to reach the
mouth of the cavern; but, as yet, their approach had not been
discovered. Miantomah now signed to them to keep to the left, and to
crouch down as he was doing, following one after the other so that they
might get close to their enemies before they were seen. His advice was
followed, and the whole party were within gunshot before the Monacans
were aware of their approach. For som