Creeping forward he found the platform deserted.

He listened attentively at the entrance to the cave, and the keen ear of the savage would have detected had any been slumbering there; but all was still.
He rose to his feet with the intention of creeping into the cave, when his head struck against something.

He put up his hand and felt the rope, and saw how the fugitives had escaped.

He at once gave the alarm to his comrades.

In a minute or two a score of men with blazing brands came running along the path.