If they came, they came to rob, and they were men who left behind them no living witnesses of their whereabouts or their crimes.

And if two or three should come, and be repulsed, it would not be long before the rest would arrive.

In fact, the only real hope they had was founded on the early return of Rynders--that is, if Rynders and his men were living.
The captain waited and listened, but nothing came but daylight.

As soon as he was able to discern objects outside the opening on the plateau, he awoke Maka, and, leaving him on guard, he made his way to the lake cavern.
Here the light was beginning to come freely through the chasm which faced nearly east.

Mok was sitting with his eyes open, and showed that he was alive by a little grunt when the captain approached.