As they drew near, they heard many voices and the lights increased to a dozen.
Jarvis's belief that it was no party of ordinary travelers seemed correct.
"Let's go a little nearer.

The bushes will still hide us," whispered the mountaineer to the boy.

"They ain't no enemies o' ours, but I guess we'd better keep out o' their business, though my inquirin' turn o' mind makes me anxious to see just who they are." They walked to the end of the stretch of bushes, and, while yet in shelter, could see clearly all that was going on, especially as there was no effort at concealment on the part of those who were crossing the stream.

They numbered at least two hundred men, and all had arms and horses, although they were dismounted now, and the horses, accompanied by small guards, were being carried over the river first.

Evidently the men understood their work, as it was being done rapidly and without much noise.
Harry's attention was soon concentrated on three men who stood near the edge of the bushes, not more than thirty feet away.