she is a pretty high-spirited girl, and may take the bit in her
teeth--imagine she 'd rather be here with me, and all that. If she
does I suppose you 'll have to let her have her own way--the Lord knows
her mother always did. Anyhow you 'll stay with her till she 's safe."

"I sure will," returned the Sergeant, gathering up his reins.
"Good-bye to you."

"Good-bye and good luck," and McDonald put out his hand, which the
other took hesitatingly. The next instant he was in the saddle, and
with a wild leap the startled mustang rounded the edge of the bluff,
flying into the night.

All had occurred so quickly that Hamlin's mind had not yet fully
adjusted itself to all the details. He was naturally a man of few
words, deciding on a course of action quietly, yet not apt to deviate
from any conclusion finally reached. But he had been hurried, pressed
into this adventure, and now welcomed an opportunity to think it all
out coolly. At first, for a half mile or more, the plunging buckskin
kept him busy, bucking viciously, rearing, leaping madly from side to
side, practising every known equine trick to dislodge the grim rider in
the saddle. The man fought out the battle silently, immovable as a
rock, and apparently as indifferent. Twice his spurs brought blood,
and once he struck the rearing head with clenched fist. The light of
the stars revealed the faint lines of the trail, and he was content to
permit the maddened brute to race forward, until, finally mastered, the
animal settled down into a swift gallop, but with ears laid back in
ugly defiance. The rider's gray eyes smiled pleasantly as he settled
more comfortably into the saddle, peering out from beneath the stiff
brim of his scouting hat; then they hardened, and the man swore softly