The slightest rustle in the bushes would bring them down upon us, in no time.

The firing is getting more and more distant every moment and, no doubt, a big body of the enemy have engaged our fellows.
"I have been in a good many tight places, but I think this is the worst of them.

Our only course, so far as I can see, is to wait till nightfall; and then, if these fellows still stick here, get into the path again, and follow it up till we come to some path going the other way.

Then it will be a pure question of luck whether we hit upon the enemy, or not.

If we do, of course we must fight till the last, keeping the last shot in our revolvers for ourselves.