* * *
Hamilton remained on the roof concealed by overhanging tree boughs. He watched the men milling about in front and counted six or seven of them. All had guns drawn and three were poised, as if waiting for a signal to storm the cabin. Looking over his shoulder, he hoped John and Hector had made it safely out and away, since the others obviously had been captured.
Not happy with the situation, he shimmied to a sizeable tree limb. From there he dropped to the ground out of sight of the intruders and made his way deeper into the forest. Finding a large fallen tree trunk, he lay behind it and waited, silently counting the seconds.