The shadow blended with the shadow of the yucca just behind its stern, but Ned, watching closely, saw in the next instant the two shadows detach and separate.

The one that moved was that of a Lipan warrior, naked save for the breech-cloth and horrible with war paint.
Ned instantly raised his rifle and fired.

The Lipan uttered a cry and fell, then sprang to his feet, and ran away down the dip.

In answer to the shot came the fierce note of the war whoop.
"Up, Obed, up!" cried Ned.

"The Lipans are coming down upon us.