Besides, if we had pushed on, they would have been sure to overtake us; for these fellows can run like hares." "But why should not they find us here, Stanley ?" "Well, of course they may do so, but the entrance to this chamber is ten feet above the ground; and another thing is, they have all sorts of superstitions about the place.

Nothing would induce them to approach it, after nightfall; and even in the daytime, they don't like coming near it.

Lastly, if they do find us, it will take them all their time to force their way in.

I have five men, and two young fellows quite capable of fighting; then there are your two guards, Meinik, the trooper, and myself.

So you see, we muster twelve.