Then he gave two of them a sharp prick with his dagger, and the startled animals dashed forward in affright, followed by their companions.

They passed close to one of the sentries, who tried in vain to stop them, and then burst into the camp beyond, where their rush startled the horses picketed there.

These began to kick and struggle desperately to free themselves from their fastenings.

The soldiers, startled at the sudden noise, sprang to their feet, and much confusion reigned until the runaway horses were secured and driven back to their lines.
The instant he had thus diverted the attention of the whole line of sentries along that side of the baggage camp, Malcolm crept quietly up and passed between them.

Turning from the direction in which the horses had disturbed the camp, he made his way cautiously along.