He plainly saw the black eyes cast a single inquiring glance in that direction.
"This is getting a little too threatening," reflected the Professor, satisfied that the three natives were as venomous as so many serpents; "at the first move war is declared." His situation was so critical that he did not dare turn his head to look behind him, but never was there a more welcome sound to him than that made by the footsteps of the lank New Englander.
"Keep moving hack!" called Long, "but don't try to hide what you're doing." The Professor saw the sense of this advice and he followed it, lifting his feet so high that the action was plainly seen, but doing so with a certain dignity that was not lacking in impressiveness.

His aim was to give the act the appearance of a strategic movement, as it may be called.

It was not that he was afraid of the natives, but he was seeking a better place from which to open hostilities against them.
This was the impression which he sought to give the fierce savages, and whether he succeeded, or not was certain to become apparent within the following five minutes.

He himself believed, the chances were against the success of his plan..