As Gorbo appeared in the open space beyond the trees, Mother Meldrum shook her fist fiercely at Golithos to encourage him, and for an instant had her attention taken away from the children. But this instant was enough for Joe, who had been working his hands loose from the rope (he had learned rope tricks in his circus life), and who now had them free. He quickly untied Sylvia’s hands and then very gently helped her to her feet. “Run,” he whispered close to her ear. And with a bound they were off, Joe holding her hand with a tight grip and hauling her along through the trees.
They heard a savage yell from behind them; but they were out in the open and running up to Gorbo, who sprang forward to meet them with a shout.
“Hide in the trees!” screamed Joe. “There’s Golithos coming!”
Gorbo jumped and looked quickly round. Then in an instant he sprang with them into the shade of the trees on the other side of the open space. He gave a little sound of wonder and joy, something like a sob, and then faced round, again with his bow held ready. “Lie down and hide,” he said, without turning his head.
“But there’s Golithos there!” wailed Sylvia. “Let’s run, Gorbo!”
“Not me,” said Gorbo. “Just lie quiet.”
There was a dead silence for a time. Then they heard the voice of Golithos hailing from the opposite side of the open spot.
“Is that you, Gorbo?” he called.
“It’s me,” replied Gorbo.
“Look here,” went on the voice, “you go away and I’ll let you keep the little ones. There!”
“Thanks,” said Gorbo.
“Oh, but do be reasonable. Let’s talk it over quietly; it’s no good being unfriendly. Just come out in the open and we’ll talk it over.”
“All right,” said Gorbo. “You come too.” He walked to the edge of the trees and stood looking across at the other side.
“But I can’t see you,” said Golithos. “You must really show some confidence in me, and then I’ll come.”
“Will this suit you?” Gorbo walked out some half-dozen steps.
“Yes, that’s better, Gorbo. You see I don’t want to harm you.” (From their hiding-place the children could hear him blundering through the bushes and twigs.) “I’ve always rather liked you and if we can just talk over matters----”
With a rush and roar he sprang out, his mighty axe swung up high.
Whang.
Golithos stopped his rush within six feet of Gorbo and stood swaying. His axe fell crashing to the ground.
Whang—Whang.
Golithos toppled and fell headlong with a thump that shook the ground. Three arrows stuck out from behind his head.