"We are going over prairie which affords easy riding.

We've got nothing to fear unless some lamb strays from the Mexican flock, and blunders upon us.

Even then he's more likely to be shorn than to shear." They advanced for some time, guided by the hoofbeats from the Mexican column.

But before the sun could rise and dispel the fog the sound of the hoofbeats ceased.
"They've stopped," whispered the Ring Tailed Panther, joyously.

"After all they're not goin' to run away an' they will give us a fight.