nearly two to one
Meanwhile a wind , slowly rising , was blowing so steadily that all the trees and bushes were drying fast . Neither Henry nor his comrades could now tell just where their enemies were , but they believed that the hostile band had also been circling about the open space in which the ruined village stood . They felt sure that the Indians and the three white men would not go away . The Indians were never keener for scalps than they were that year , and with a force of nearly two to one they would not decline a combat , even if it were not the surprise that they had expected . `` We may stay here until daylight , '' whispered Henry . `` They are now sure we 're not going to run away , and with the sunrise they may think that they will have a better chance at us . '' `` If the daylight finds them here , it will find us too , '' said Shif ` less Sol .