They were eager, intent, listening, bent slightly forward, their rifles lying in the hollow of their arms, ready for instant use.
After the second long cry the savage army gave voice no more.

In all the dense thickets a deadly silence reigned, save for the trained ear.

But to the acute hearing of the three under the tree came sounds that they knew; sounds as light as the patter of falling nuts, no more, perhaps, than the rustle of dead leaves driven against each other by a wind; but they knew.
"They are coming, and coming fast," said Henry.

"We must join the main force now." "They ought to be ready.

That warning of yours was enough," said Ross.
Without another word they turned again, darted among the trees, and in a few moments reached the little white force.