Then suddenly came from the ruin a Maroon of fierce, yet not cruel
appearance, who laid a hand behind his ear, and looked steadfastly
towards that part of the wood where Dyck was. It was clear he had heard
something. Dyck did not know how many Maroons there might be in the
ruins, or near it, and he did not attack. It was essential he should
know the strength of his foe; and he remained quiet. Presently the
native turned as though to go back into the ruins, but changed his mind,
and began to tour the stony, ruined building. Dyck waited, and presently
saw more natives come from the ruins, and after a moment another three.
These last were having an argument of some stress, for they pulled at
each other's arms and even caught at the long cloths of their
headdresses.
"They've got the ladies there," thought Dyck, "but they've done them no
harm yet." He waited moments longer to see if more natives were coming
out, then said to himself: "I'll make a try for it now. It won't do to
run the risk of going back to bring my fellows up. It's a fair risk, but
it's worth taking."
With that he ran softly to the entrance from which he had seen the men
emerge.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155