We've got to secure the prisoners." The captives were lying under the boughs of some trees about twenty yards from the spot where the fire had been built.

The pitiless rain had beaten upon them, but as far as Ned could judge they had gone to sleep, doubtless through sheer exhaustion.

The Panther's plan of action was swift and comprehensive.
"Boys," he said, "I'm the best shot of us three.

I don't say it in any spirit of boastin', 'cause I've pulled trigger about every day for thirty years, an' more'n once a hundred times in one day.

Now you two give me your rifles and I'll set here in the edge of the bushes, then you go ahead as silent as you can an' cut the prisoners loose.