But by taking advantage of the trees, they will be able to get within range of their weapons; and at short distances, they are just as effective as are our bows." As soon as it was broad daylight, the lads started through the forest, keeping up a running fight with the natives.
"It is clear," Tom said, "we cannot stand this much longer.

We must take to a tree." They were on the point of climbing, when Ned exclaimed: "Listen! I can hear the sound of bells." Listening intently, they could make out the sound of little bells, such as are carried by horses or mules.
"It must be a train to one of the mines.

If we can reach that, we shall be safe." Laying aside all further thought of fighting, the boys now ran, at headlong pace, in the direction of the sounds.

The natives, who were far fleeter of foot, gained fast upon them; and the arrows were flying round them, and several had inflicted slight wounds, when they heard ahead of them the cry of: "Soldiers on guard.

The natives are at hand.