Beyond him there was a confused mingling of forms as if in bewilderment.

The Council was evidently broken up for the time.
The Indians were greatly shaken by the vision that had broken in upon them.

That it was no form of flesh and blood was very obvious to them, for the Sioux's bullet had passed through it and spattered against the wall leaving no trail of blood behind it.

There was no holding them together, and almost before he was aware of it Cameron saw the cavern empty of every living soul.

Quickly but warily he followed, searching each nook as he went, but the dim light of the dying fire showed him nothing but the black walls and gloomy recesses of the great cave.