The task which Grimcke had given himself was difficult indeed. The
ground was unfavorable for the peculiar twitching movement which he
hoped would carry him out of danger. He had gone barely a couple of
yards when the bowman evidently suspected something of the kind, for he
stopped short and stared inquiringly at the white man.

The latter extended his right hand as if to shake that of the savage,
who stood motionless, making no sign of pleasure or displeasure.
Indeed, he remained so fixed in his position that Grimcke was convinced
he was listening for the sound of the other miscreant stealing through
the wood. He plainly saw the black eyes cast a single inquiring glance
in that direction.

"This is getting a little too threatening," reflected the Professor,
satisfied that the three natives were as venomous as so many serpents;
"at the first move war is declared."

His situation was so critical that he did not dare turn his head to
look behind him, but never was there a more welcome sound to him than
that made by the footsteps of the lank New Englander.

"Keep moving hack!" called Long, "but don't try to hide what you're
doing."

The Professor saw the sense of this advice and he followed it, lifting
his feet so high that the action was plainly seen, but doing so with a
certain dignity that was not lacking in impressiveness. His aim was to
give the act the appearance of a strategic movement, as it may be
called. It was not that he was afraid of the natives, but he was
seeking a better place from which to open hostilities against them.