It
was thought the Indians would suppose all had perished in the flames.
"But they know we came here by an underground passage from the house,"
said Brenda; "will they not suspect we have entered another passage if
we all disappear?"
"P'r'aps they may," answered Mr. Arnold; "I had not thought of that.
We'll have to take our chances."
"If one of us was to appear to escape from here, and join them,"
continued the girl, "I think they would suppose the others had
perished, and make no search."
"That may be true, but I'll take my chances here," said Mr. Gilbert.
"So will I," said his companion. "A fellow wouldn't last a minute
outside this fort. I prefer smothering to the death those devils will
give me."
It soon became evident to the besieged that the outer wall was on
fire.
The sun had gone down and darkness was deepening in the valley when
the first tongue of flame licked through a crevice in the roof and
showed that the fire had gained a foothold. Soon a hole appeared,
close to the eaves, which gradually enlarged towards the centre of the
roof and along the surface of the earth.
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