Presently, he turned off to the right, saying "hush!" in the lowest possible tone, and, proceeding a few paces down the slope, noiselessly lay down behind the bush.

The midshipman imitated his example, though he wondered why he was so acting, for he could hear nothing.

Two or three minutes later he heard a low footfall, and then the sound of men speaking in a low voice, in some strange tongue.

He could not see them, but held his breath as they were passing.

Not till they had been gone some minutes did James rise, and pursue his course.
"Two Indians," he said, "and on the search for us.