Wabi could now see that they were men.

They were advancing in a cautious, crouching attitude, as though they expected to meet enemies somewhere ahead of them.

Wabi's heart thumped with joy.

There could be no surer sign that Mukoki and Rod were still among the living, for why should the Woongas employ this caution if they had already successfully ambushed the hunters?
With the chill of a cold hand at his throat the answer flashed into Wabigoon's brain.

His friends had been ambushed, and these two Woongas were stealing back over the trail to slay him! Very slowly, very gently, the young Indian's finger pressed against the trigger of his rifle.