The Panther, instead of running toward the street continued up the alley which led to a large building of adobe, in the rear of the governor's house.
"It's a stable and storehouse," said the Ring Tailed Panther, "an' we'll hide in it while the hunt roars on through the city." He jerked open a door, and they rushed in.

Ned in the dusk saw some horses eating in their stalls, and he also saw a steep ladder leading to lofts above.

The Ring Tailed Panther never hesitated, but ran up the ladder and Ned followed sharply after him.

He heard Obed panting at his heels.
The lofts contained dried maize and some vegetables, but they were mostly filled with hay.

The fugitives plunged into the hay and pulled it around them, until only their heads and the muzzles of their rifles protruded.