"You don't believe the rabbits knew we weren't armed then and know we are now?"
"Hunters tell bigger stories than that about 'Brer Rabbit.' Not one has bobbed up since we got our guns."
Suddenly from the flat surface of the plain, not twenty yards from where the boys stood, where nothing but bunch-grass and low shrubbery grew, sixteen Indians sprang up to full height, like so many Jacks-in-a-box.
XIV
ON THE DESERT WITHOUT WATER
The boys were frightened. Their hearts leaped into their throats, and it was difficult for them to restrain an impulse to turn and run; but a soldierly instinct brought them to a "ready," with eyes fixed upon the probable enemy.
"Quick, Henry! shoot!" exclaimed Frank, intending to reserve his own fire.
The younger sergeant raised his double-barrelled shot-gun to his shoulder and pulled both triggers. Down went the sixteen Indians as if the bird-shot had been fatal to all. The plain became in an instant as objectless as it was a moment before.