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the light that came in by the narrow cleft in the ledge had grown dim, the Indians  produced food, dried fish that smelled none  too good and parched corn, and shared them  with the captive. David was not hungry, but ate as he might, for the idea of making his  escape ere the night was over had come to  him, and should he find an opportunity to  make the attempt he would be better for  food in his stomach. After the brief meal one of the Indians disappeared and presently returned with water in a fold of birch  bark. By then the cave was utterly black and David could no longer see his companions. The latter, who had spoken to each other but seldom during the afternoon, now became talkative, and David amused himself in trying to understand something of  their conversation. But it was no use, for, although now and then a sound that was  familiar came to him, the most of it was  gibberish. Perhaps two hours passed, and then once more the entrance to the cave was