He knew at once what was occurring and he shouted: "It's a stampede! There have been traitors here, and they've driven the horses with fire!" "And maybe some of them have managed to slip down the mountain side!" said Shepard.
It was well for them all that they were men of decision and supreme courage.

The terrible tumult in the valley was increasing.

The horses, a stampeded mass, were driving directly for the entrance.

Only one thing could stop them and that the guards then did.

They snatched many burning brands from the nearest fire and waved them furiously in the face of the frightened herd, which turned and ran back the other way, only to be confronted by other waving brands that filled them with terror.