With the rifle in his hand, the great weapon with which the pioneer made his way from ocean to ocean, Ned had strength and courage.
He believed that Obed and he could defeat the entire force of brigands, but he awaited the signal of his older comrade.
Standing close together behind the massive pillar they could not now see the sentinels at the doorway.

Ned was quite sure that they were sleeping and that he and his comrade could steal past them.

But Obed turned in another direction and Ned followed without a word.

The man had caught a glimpse of a second entrance at the opposite side of this hall of pillars, and the two darted into it.
They found themselves in a passage less than the height of a man, and only about three feet wide, but Obed led on boldly, and Ned, with equal boldness, followed.

The wall was about five feet thick, and they came out into a court or patio surrounded by four ruined buildings.