"Whom the gods would destroy they first deprive of the sense of danger.

They do not dream that Richard, meaning the Panther, is in the chaparral." "If we approach this shed from the rear the sentinels, even if they look, will not be able to see us," said the Panther.

"By the great horn spoon, what an opportunity! I can hardly keep from roarin' an' ravin' about it.

Now, boys, we'll take away their guns, swift an' quiet." A few trips apiece and all the rifles and muskets with their ammunition were carried deep into the chaparral, where Obed, gladly sacrificing his own comfort, covered them against the rain with his serape.

Not a sign had come meanwhile from the two sentinels on the far side of the camp.
Ned once or twice saw the lighted ends of their cigarritos glowing like sparks in the darkness, but the outlines of the men's figures were very dusky.
"An' now for the riskiest part of our job, the one that counts the most," said the Panther, "the one that will make everything else a failure if it falls through.