Part 14 (1/2)
”Why do you say so?” asked Tom.
”For the plain and simple reason that they will cross our tracks in all probability, and that will mean an easy trail.”
”But how will they know which way to go after us? They may go down to the river.”
”Well, they wouldn't be such idiots as to go in the opposite direction that the footprints of the yaks plainly show.”
The boys had not thought of that.
”And then there is another thing, that just occurred to me. If they follow our tracks from the camping spot they will know we have made the detour in order to avoid them, and that will make them only the more anxious to make our closer acquaintance.”
Harry had hardly stopped speaking before the voices of their enemies were discernible.
CHAPTER XI
THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS
The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.
Harry, who had, by common consent, a.s.sumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: ”Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count. And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity. The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys. Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time.”
In a short time the band appeared, and it was well that they had no idea of the distance the boys had traveled, as they came along rapidly, following the plainly made tracks of the wagon.
”Now, ready boys; Tom and I will give them the first shot, and you may fire the moment I give the command. Ready, Tom; fire.”
Both shots took effect, and the astonishment of the savages, was exhilarating to the boys. George and Ralph could hardly restrain themselves. The warriors were in the open, and had little brush to serve as a s.h.i.+eld. For a moment they were entirely at a loss to know which way to go.
”Give them a shot,” whispered Harry, and as the two guns spoke, two more fell, both wounded. Without waiting for another shot the rest of them broke for the rear, and the boys appeared in the opening.
This was not necessary, as the depletion of the fighting force was a sufficient argument for them to retreat.
”Hitch up the team as quickly as possible,” and George and Ralph did not wait to witness the flight. Harry and Tom remained on guard.
”Move the wagon to the north, and stop at every good place of concealment, and we will remain as a rear guard. We have no a.s.surance that they will not follow up the attack.”
After the wagon had gone on some distance, the two boys slowly effected a retreat in the trail of the wagon. Only eight savages had been left after the two fires.
During one of the temporary stops Harry observed: ”When they retreated we saw eight of them, and there are now only six following. What do you suppose that means?”
”Those people are regular devils, and it is my opinion that there is another force of them near, and the others have gone to bring reinforcements.”
”Run to the wagon quickly and tell them to force the yaks forwardly as fast as possible. Wait just a moment.” And Harry looked to the north and continued: ”Do you see the two large trees in the distance, a little to the left? Tell them to drive for that with the utmost speed, and await our coming.”
Tom was off, and imparted the information, and Harry kept on retreating, while the scouting party approached very cautiously, the apparent object being to keep within sight of the trail.
When Tom returned Harry said: ”I suppose we had better give them another shot, to hold them off as far as possible. At the next place of concealment, let us wait for them, until they are near enough.”
The savages were now very wary, and did not attempt to come within gunshot distance of the place of concealment for some time, but when they had approached sufficiently near both fired, only one being wounded.