backs against the same
tree. They were unbound but the armed Mexicans were all about them, and
they did not have a chance. They were thirty yards away, and Ned could
see them very plainly, yet there was a wall between him and these trusty
comrades of his.

Obed and the Panther remained motionless against the tree. Apparently
they took no interest in the doings of the Mexicans. Ned, yet seeing no
way in which he could help them, watched them a long time. He saw Urrea,
after a while, come up and stand before them. The light was good enough
for him to see that Urrea's expression was sneering and triumphant.
Again Ned's heart swelled with rage. The traitor was exulting over the
captives.

Urrea began to speak. Ned could not hear his words, but he knew by the
movement of the man's lips that he was talking fast. Undoubtedly he was
taunting the prisoners with words as well as looks. But neither Obed nor
the Ring Tailed Panther made any sign that he heard. They continued to
lean carelessly against the tree, and Urrea, his desire to give pain
foiled for the time, went away.

Now Ned bestirred his mind. Here were the Mexicans, and here were his
friends. How should he separate them? He could think of nothing at
present and he drew back deeper into the forest. There, lying very close
among the bushes, he pondered a long time. He might try to stampede the
horses, but the attempt would be more than doubtful, and he gave up the
idea.

It was now growing late and the fires in the Mexican camp were sinking.
The wind began to blow, and the leaves rustled dryly over Ned's head.
Best thoughts sometimes spring from little things, and it was the dry
rustle of the leaves that gave Ned his idea. It was a desperate chance,
but he must take it. The increasing strength of the wind increased his
hope. It was blowing from him directly toward the camp.

He retreated about a quarter of a mile. Then he hunted until he found
where the fallen leaves lay thickest, and he raked them into a great
heap. Drawing both the flint and steel which he, like other borderers,
always carried, he worked hard until the spark leaped forth and set the
leaves on fire. Then he stood back.

The forest was dry like tinder. Ned had nothing to do but to set the
torch. In an instant the leaves leaped into a roaring flame. The blaze
ran higher, took hold of the trees and ran from bough to bough. It
sprang to other trees, and, in an incredibly brief space, a forest fire,