"They've found out where we are, and one is just getting ready to make a rush."
This information was well calculated to arouse Poyor as well as the white man, and they ran with all speed toward the entrance to the ravine where Neal was making ready to shoot.
"He has shown himself twice since Teddy went to call you," the boy said, "and I know exactly where to fire if you believe it ought to be done."
"Do you think he knows we are here?" Cummings asked, and Neal replied:
"He has been looking out from among the bushes as if suspicious that there was something wrong in this quarter; but I don't fancy he has seen us."
"Then do not fire. It is of the greatest importance that we should remain concealed, and to discharge a weapon now would only be to bring down a crowd upon us. Get back to the farther end of the ravine while Poyor and I find out what is going on."
The boys did as they were bidden, taking their station where it was possible to see all the men were doing, and after ten minutes both were surprised by hearing Cummings say in a tone of relief:
"It is only that idiot, and he evidently mistakes us for enemies. The best thing we can do is to let him stay where he is, for then he can't get us into another scrape."
"It's Jake!" Teddy cried. "I thought that arm didn't look like an Indian's!"
"It will be worse than wicked if Cummings don't let him know who we are. Of course he's hunting for us, and we _must_ call to him."
As Neal spoke he stepped forward, and was about to cry out when Cummings prevented him.
"Let the fool alone," the latter said. "If he joins us we shall never be able to pass the sentinels."
"You can't mean to let him wander off by himself."
"Better that than give him another chance to bring the enemy down upon us."
"But I won't allow it," Neal cried angrily. "It is true he has been worse than foolish twice----"
"And the third time he'll succeed in bringing all hands up with a sharp turn. We are where very little is needed to put us in the power of the enemy, and we cannot afford to take such chances as he appears to delight in."
"Then Teddy and I will leave you, and run all the risk with him, which is nothing more than fair, considering the fact that he is one of our party."