He observed, moreover, that the boy had a pistol, which, besides being a weapon that acts quickly and surely, even in weak hands, would give a loud report and a bright flash that might be heard and seen at a great distance.

Taking these things into consideration, he thrust back the knife which he had half unsheathed, and, retreating with the slow, gliding motion of a serpent, got beyond the chance of being detected, just as Bumpus rose to follow Poopy to the cave.
The savage entered its yawning mouth in a few seconds, and glided noiselessly into its dark recesses like an evil spirit.

Soon after, the trio reached the same spot, and stood for some time silently gazing upon the thick darkness within.
A feeling of awe crept over them as they stood thus, and a shudder passed through Corrie's frame as he thought of the innumerable ghosts that might--probably did--inhabit that dismal place.

But the thought of Alice served partly to drive away his fears and steel his heart.

He felt that the presence of such a sweet and innocent child _must_, somehow or other, subdue and baffle the power of evil spirits, and it was with some show of firmness that he said: "Come, Bumpus, let's go in.