A hasty glance round the encampment showed that their captives were not within its circle.

With an exclamation of fury, the captain seized his gun, and with the butt-end struck the sentry to the ground.

Then in furious tones he ordered every man off in instant pursuit.

Snatching up their arms, some hurried off one way, some another, shouting threats of vengeance as they went.
As their voices receded, there was a slight movement among the rugs, and the boys' heads peered out from below their hiding-place.

The encampment was deserted, save that on the ground lay the form of the prostrate sentinel, while the captain stood, gun in hand, on the edge of the slope, peering down into the gathering darkness.
The boys rose stealthily to their feet, and keeping along by the side of the hill, so as to be out of the direct line of sight should the brigand turn towards the fire, they noiselessly approached him.
He did not look round until they were within five paces, and it was then too late.