A shot from Slade's pistol was the signal for a violent dash that instantly set the big herd in motion.

As the attack came from the west the cattle moved eastward, bleating and bellowing with surprise.

They moved slowly at first, as though confused by the suddenness of the rush--milling in bewilderment; detached numbers dashing here and there in wild affright.
Concerted movement came when the strange horsemen began to flank them.
Eastward there was open ground, with no dashing, shooting men to bar their progress, and eastward they went, a dark mass that moved with exceeding swiftness straight up the valley.
The few cowboys who had been riding night herd made a feeble, astonished resistance.

There were several shots, frenzied cries of rage and pain; and then nothing but the thunderous rumble of hoofs; the shouts of the driving rustlers; scattered shots and the clashing of horns.

A vast dust cloud ballooned above the herd; and five riderless Circle L horses trotted aimlessly about, snorting with fright.
The big herd had gone with the suddenness of a cyclone.