Bowie, with Ned, Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther joined the four already in the improvised stable.

The horses would not be quieted.

It was quite evident that instinct was warning them of something that human beings could not yet detect.
Ned wondered.

He put his hand on the neck of his own horse which knew him well, yet the beast trembled all over, and uttered a sudden shrill neigh.

It was quite dark in the place, only a little light coming through the broken windows, yet Ned was quite sure that no Comanches had managed to get inside, and lie in hiding there.
A few moments later the Ring Tailed Panther uttered a fierce cry.
"I smell smoke!" he cried.