Ned sprang like a panther.

All the force and energy that he had been concentrating so long were in the leap.

The soldier went down as if he had been struck by a cannon ball and his tray and dishes rattled upon him.

But he was a wiry fellow and grasping his assailant he struggled fiercely.
"Now stop, my good fellow.

Just lie still! That's the way!" It was Obed White who spoke, and he held the muzzle of a pistol at the man's head.