Monty, meanwhile, was pressed against the side of the tree furthest from the truck. The headlights were shining directly toward him, and he didn't dare move from his spot. He had to listen as he heard his truck being abused, and was chagrined that his earlier trick with the trailer hitch had not resulted in any advantage to the hostages. He winced when he heard the crash of the tailgate being ripped off, but he knew well what the cause was - this wasn't the first time that a truck driver had neglected to lower the tailgate on a fifth-wheel hitch.
While waiting behind the oak, Monty had been desperately thinking of a plan to rescue Laura. It was a long shot, but his only shot, other than a suicidal attempt now to run to the barn and get his rifle. But his plan required utmost speed if it was to have any chance of success, so he ran through the sequence of steps he'd need to take, visualizing the exact movements required.
The light from the pickup moved away from his tree as Ranny swung it in a circle to head out the gate, taking himself and his hostage away. Monty knew he'd be intent on looking ahead, driving in this unfamiliar terrain, so he left his place of safety and crouching, raced towards the barn.