Both the Professor and his friend were glad that Bippo had managed to get away.  They liked the fellow, and, even if they must be sacrificed, it was a relief to know that the poor native, who had had such a woful experience since leaving the Amazon, now had a fighting chance of escaping from the dreadful region.

Besides, as has been shown, the presence of the fellow was more of an incumbrance than a help.  But for the delay caused by Long’s rush to his help, the whites would have made a dash for liberty themselves, though the question of their escape was problematical to the last degree.

Precious little ground could the explorers see for extricating themselves from their peril.  The Murhapas numbered a hundred, all were brave, and the weapons in their hands were dreaded tenfold more than firearms.  It seemed miraculous that Grimcke and Long had not been pierced long before.  Why did not the Murhapas set fire to the building, after the manner of the North American Indians?

This was the question which both the defenders had asked themselves several times, but in the case of each the answer was obvious.

The house, it will be recalled, adjoined that of King Haffgo, and, although there was no wind blowing, the burning of the less important structure was sure to endanger the other.  As a last resort, the white men might be driven out in that way, but not yet.

If the besiegers could persuade themselves to make a united rush, they would be sure to prevail; but, as has been explained, the cost of such an essay was sure to be frightful, and led the Murhapas to defer that, also, until assured less risky means would not prevail.

It seemed to our friends that there were scores of schemes which ought to be successful, and, such being the case, it will be understood why they believed their last fight was on, and why they were disposed to show no mercy to their assailants.

The Professor was surprised, knowing, as he did, the part taken against them by Waggaman and Burkhardt, that no reports of firearms had yet been heard among the assailants.  It would seem as if something of the kind was required in order that those miscreants should retain their prestige among the people.

Now, all these thoughts and many more passed through the minds of the defenders in a tenth of the time it has taken us to put them on paper.  It was yet early in the evening, and the crisis in the siege must come before long.

Jared Long peeped out of the rear entrance.  A study of what he saw showed little change in the situation.  He was convinced that the next demonstration would be from the front.  He, therefore, did not hesitate to leave his post and slip into the next room for a few hasty words with the Professor.

“There’s no use of staying in here,” he said, “for we are sure to be overwhelmed within the next hour.”

“I fully agree with you.”