But as they crept back toward the chaparral the slack sentinels caught sight of the dusky figures retreating.

Two musket shots were fired and there were rapid shouts in Mexican jargon.

Ned and Obed rose to their feet and, keeping the escaped prisoners before them, ran for the thickets.
A terrific reply to the Mexican alarm came from the forest.

A volley of rifle and pistol shots was fired among the soldiers as they sprang to their feet and a tremendous voice roared: "At 'em, boys! At 'em! Charge 'em! Now is your time! Rip an' t'ar an' roar an' chaw! Don't let a single one escape! Sweep the scum off the face of the earth!" The Ring Tailed Panther had a mighty voice, issuing from a mighty throat.

Never had he used it in greater volume or to better purpose than on that night.