While eager to make friends with all the people whom he met, he did not intend to assume any unnecessary risks.

The demeanor of the natives tendered it certain they were hostile.

They made no responsive signs to those of the white man, and the latter would have checked himself half way, but for his suspicion that they were mystified by his conduct and were undecided as to the precise thing to do.
He not only heard their peculiar rumbling voices, but saw from the movements of their lips and their glances in each other's faces, that they were consulting as to what they should do.

The white man was already so close that he could easily be reached by the bowman, and there was little doubt that either of the others could hurl his poisoned javelin the intervening distance.
The only way of defeating such a movement was for the white man to secure "the drop" on them, but, in one sense that was impossible.
Unable to understand the words spoken, they were equally unacquainted with the weapons of the pale face, and would, doubtless pay no heed to the most threatening demonstration on his part.
"Take my advice and come back," called Jared Long; "keep your face toward them and blaze away, and I'll do my part!" Instead of adopting the suggestion of his friend, the Professor slowed his pace, still making his gestures of good will.

However, when fifty steps away, he came to a dead halt.
He had advanced three-fourths the distance, and, if the others were willing to accept his offers, they should signify it by coming forward and meeting him where he had stopped.
While moving forward in this guarded manner, Grimcke was prudent enough to edge over toward the woods, which were now so close to his right side as to be instantly available.