Their gloom did not decrease. Neither the
rolling of the drum nor the flaunting of the banner had any
effect. Brave though the men might be, this was not the way in
which they should meet an Indian foe who outnumbered them four or
five to one.
"I don't like it," muttered Tom Ross.
"Nor ' do I," said Henry, "but remember that whatever happens we
all stand together."
"We remember!" said the others.
On-they went, and the five moving faster were now ahead of the
main force some hundred yards. They swung in a little toward the
river. The banks here were highland off to the left was a large
swamp. The five now checked speed and moved with great wariness.
They saw nothing, and they heard nothing, either, until they went
forty or fifty yards farther. Then a low droning sound came to
their ears. It was the voice of one yet far away, but they knew
it. It was the terrible chant of Queen Esther, in this moment
the most ruthless of all the savages, and inflaming them
continuously for the combat.
The five threw themselves flat on their faces, and waited a
little. The chant grew louder, and then through the foliage they
saw the ominous figure approaching.
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