Ted dashed after him. It did not occur to him to raise an alarm.
But as swiftly as he ran, Woofer had the better of him, for a few
strides took him out of Ted's sight.
Ted stopped and listened, blaming himself for not closing with Woofer
sooner.
Not a sound of Woofer's retreat came to his ears.
Suddenly he heard a nicker at his elbow almost, and looked around. It
was Sultan, who had smelled him, and had come to him, and was now
rubbing his velvety nose against Ted's sleeve.
In an inspiration Ted leaped upon his back, and caught the headstall,
which he always left on Sultan when he turned him loose in the night so
that he could get him in a hurry should there be a night alarm of any
sort.
An idea came to him as soon as he felt Sultan under him.
Woofer undoubtedly had thought to have a horse saddled and ready waiting
for him somewhere near the camp. If he could only get Sultan to call to
it and get an answer, he would soon find him.
He had no sooner conceived the thought when Sultan whinneyed like a
trumpet call.
From a distance came an answering cry. It was the voice of Magpie, and
Ted knew it well. Stella's little black-and-white mare and Sultan were
the greatest friends, and when she heard him call, she replied.
Woofer was about to steal the most valuable and swiftest of the animals,
except Sultan.
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