The boys seated themselves by Cummings' side where the best view of the surrounding country could be had; but the latter was in no mood for further conversation, and the three remained silent for an hour or more, when Teddy asked:
"How long before you intend to call Poyor?"
"There is plenty of time," Cummings replied carelessly. "We have all day before us, and when I am tired he shall take his turn."
"Why can't we do something? If you lie down now it will be gaining just so much more sleep, and surely both of us can keep watch as well as either you or he."
"That is a good idea, and I'll take advantage of the offer. Call me if you see the slightest thing suspicious, or hear any sound not made by the birds. I don't fancy we shall be troubled; but at the same time no one knows what may happen."
"We'll take good care; you shall be told if anything larger than a rat comes in view," Teddy replied, "so don't lose time that might be spent in sleep."
Cummings followed this advice at once, and in a few moments his heavy breathing told that he had crossed over into slumberland.
During the next hour nothing was seen or heard by the sentinels, who sat just within the shadow cast by the rock gazing intently down the hill, and then Teddy whispered excitedly as he pointed to a clump of bushes near where the trees were thickest:
"Look in that direction. Can't you see the foliage is moving to and fro more than should be the case on a calm day like this?"
Neal followed with his eyes Teddy's finger, and after a close scrutiny said:
"I see what you mean: but there is probably some animal among the bushes. At all events we shan't be a great while finding out, and it isn't well to call Cummings until we are positive something is wrong."
During five minutes the boys watched intently, and then there could be no question but that the leader should be awakened. They had seen a man, or at least a portion of one, as the foliage was parted gently to admit of his looking out, and Neal said as he raised his gun:
"Call Cummings. I won't fire until he gives the word unless that fellow comes too near."
Believing that they were about to be attacked, Teddy shook the leader of the party vigorously as he whispered: