They did not believe that their presence had been discovered by the Thompson fighters, but in this, however, they were mistaken.

Keen eyes had espied them watching the battle from the mouth of the cave, and even then some of the Thompson party was on its way to look the Overlanders over.
Washington Washington, who, during the firing on the cave, had remained flat on his stomach on the floor, a finger in either ear, trembling with fright, now assured that he had nothing more to fear, darted on ahead, eager to get to his mule.

He gained the camp a few minutes ahead of the Overland party.

They saw him coming back, wide-eyed, his feet barely touching the ground as he ran.
"What is it, Laundry ?" called Hippy.
Washington's lips refused to frame the words that he was trying to utter.

The Overlanders started forward at a run, bringing up abruptly as they gained their camping place.