The procession passed on, and the careless sentinel returned to his
post, filled with thoughts of what was to take place on the morrow, but
as utterly unconscious of the three pairs of eyes that regarded him
from the thicket as though no human beings save himself existed. Could
he have seen them, he would have instantly known them for those of
enemies, for he would have recognized E-chee, though Has-se and
Yah-chi-la-ne were strangers to him.
It was indeed these three friends and would-be rescuers of Rene de
Veaux, who had thus been fortunate enough to gain the island without
opposition and without bloodshed. From the time of their starting they
had made no stop until they had reached the head of the little lagoon
and taken to the trail through the swamps. Under E-chee's guidance
they had followed it safely and without meeting a soul, so taken up
were the Seminoles with their festivities. Within a short distance of
the island Yah-chi-la-ne had halted his men, and bade them remain where
they were while he, with Has-se and E-chee, approached more closely to
the village, to discover the best mode of operation.
Unperceived, they had stolen close up to the warrior who guarded the
end of the trail, and for some time they lay hidden within bow-shot of
him, discussing in the lowest of whispers how they should pass him.
The timely approach of the procession, with Rene at its head, had, by
diverting his attention for a few moments, offered an opportunity too
good to be neglected.
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