So sudden was the attack that the stock-horse had barely time to spring aside; but, quick as it was, Considine's revolver was quicker.

The bull passed--bang! went the revolver, and bang! bang! bang! again, as the horse raced alongside, Considine leaning over and firing into the bull's ribs at very short range.
The other cattle, dazed by the firing, did not attempt to follow, and at the fourth shot the bull wheeled to charge.

He stood a moment in the moonlight, bold and defiant, then staggered a little and looked round as though to say, "What have you done to me ?" Bang went the revolver again; the animal lurched, plunged forward, sank on his knees, and fell over on his side, dead.
"There, you swab," said the old man, "that'll larn you to break another time." Then he took once more his place in the patrol round the mob.
They circled and eddied and pushed, always staring angrily at the riders.

Suddenly a big, red bullock gave a snort of defiance, and came out straight towards Carew.

He stopped once, shook his head ominously, and came on again.