The moon was so nearly in the zenith that the shade from the edge of
the forest did not project halfway across the open space to which we
have alluded. It was in this partial gloom that the young man took his
station, placing himself as far back as he could without standing among
the trees themselves.

He was in the position of one who feels that the lives of his dearest
friends are placed in his hands. To him, nothing was more evident than
that the revengeful savages would attempt to cross the stream and make
another stealthy attack upon the camp. They surely must feel enough
dread of the terrible weapons that had wrought such havoc, not to defy
them again, but would make their next demonstration in the nature of a
flank movement.

One fact caused Ashman some surprise; he had seen nothing of any canoes
or boats, which were plentiful along the shores of the Xingu below. It
was not to be supposed that such a powerful and brave tribe as those on
the other side, would live in a country abounding in streams, without
finding need of such craft.

But because he had not seen them, was no proof that they were not in
existence. They may have been drawn up among the trees, their precise
location known only to their owners.

The prospect of holding his place for several hours, with his senses at
a high tension, was not an inviting one, for he did not expect the
savages to make their attempt before midnight; all such people aiming
to surprise their enemies when wrapped in profound slumber.

But Ashman had not been at his station a half hour, when, to his
amazement, he discovered that something was going on across the river
directly opposite.

Despite the strong moonlight, he was unable to guess for a long time
what it meant. He first heard a splash, as though a body had fallen or
been thrown into the water, and then, for several minutes, everything
was still as before.

It was a source of annoyance to him that at this moment, when he hoped
to keep his attention fixed on matters on the other bank, he should be
disturbed by a sound among the trees directly behind him. He, turned
sharply and looked around, for the noise which had caught his attention
was a footfall beyond all question.

But, if the youth was to be taken between two fires, he was ready. The
stranger nearest him could have no thought of his proximity, or he
would have taken more care to suppress any noise. Since he was so much
nearer than him on th