Both the Professor and his friend were glad that Bippo had managed to
get away. They liked the fellow, and, even if they must be sacrificed,
it was a relief to know that the poor native, who had had such a woful
experience since leaving the Amazon, now had a fighting chance of
escaping from the dreadful region.

Besides, as has been shown, the presence of the fellow was more of an
incumbrance than a help. But for the delay caused by Long's rush to
his help, the whites would have made a dash for liberty themselves,
though the question of their escape was problematical to the last
degree.

Precious little ground could the explorers see for extricating
themselves from their peril. The Murhapas numbered a hundred, all were
brave, and the weapons in their hands were dreaded tenfold more than
firearms. It seemed miraculous that Grimcke and Long had not been
pierced long before. Why did not the Murhapas set fire to the
building, after the manner of the North American Indians?

This was the question which both the defenders had asked themselves
several times, but in the case of each the answer was obvious.

The house, it will be recalled, adjoined that of King Haffgo, and,
although there was no wind blowing, the burning of the less important
structure was sure to endanger the other. As a last resort, the white
men might be driven out in that way, but not yet.

If the besiegers could persuade themselves to make a united rush, they
would be sure to prevail; but, as has been explained, the cost of such
an essay was sure to be frightful, and led the Murhapas to defer that,
also, until assured less risky means would not prevail.

It seemed to our friends that there were scores of schemes which ought
to be successful, and, such being the case, it will be understood why
they believed their last fight was on, and why they were disposed to
show no mercy to their assailants.

The Professor was surprised, knowing, as he did, the part taken against
them by Waggaman and Burkhardt, that no reports of firearms had yet
been heard among the assailants. It would seem as if something of the
kind was required in order that those miscreants should retain their
prestige among the people.

Now, all these thoughts and many more passed through the minds of the
defenders in a tenth of the time it has taken us to put them on paper.
It was yet early in the evening, and the crisis in the siege must come
before long.

Jared Long peeped ou