"Where is it, Pa?" Zach whispered.  He tried to keep his voice steady so his father wouldn't suspect how scared he felt.
   "It could be anywhere.  Keep your eyes peeled."
   Nate's horse had raised his head to sniff the breeze.  Nate could guess why.  "Get set," he said softly.  "If it's going to attack, it won't wait long."
   Zach, struck dumb by his terror, made no reply, and he saw his father glance at him.  At the very same instant he saw something else:  the panther, its claws extended, vaulting from concealment straight at them.

   "Ride!"  nate said and flew across the snow-covered ground.  The Leonards imitated his example, doing well despite their inexperience.
   To the northwest rose feral yips and enraged howls as the Bloods realized their quarry had outfoxed them.
   "They're after us!" Elden cried.  "We're doomed."
   "Quiet, damn you!"  Nate said over his shoulder.   Out of the corner of his eye he spied what appeared to be a break in the trees, and he guided the stallion into it.  Too late he saw that the break was actually a small half-moon clearing that bordered a high hill.
   "What do we do?"  Elden yelled.
   About to gallop along the base of the hill, Nate spotted braves directly in front of him.  As he went to snap off a shot, a whizzing arrow appeared as a pale blur coming straight at his head.....