The Ring
Tailed Panther was just before him, and Obed was just behind. 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. They lay for a few moments in silence, save for the sound of
their own hard breathing, and then Ned suddenly noticed something. They
were only three!
"Why, where is Urrea?" he exclaimed.
"Yes, where in thunder is Don Francisco?" said the Ring Tailed Panther
in startled tones.
Urrea was certainly missing, and no one could tell when they had lost
him.
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