Dick held both lines, for the short one attached to its lower jaw gave him great power over it.

At last he thought of seeking assistance from his dog.
"Crusoe," he cried, "lay hold, pup!" The dog seized the long line in his teeth and pulled with all his might.

At the same moment Dick let go the short line and threw all his weight upon the long one.

The noose tightened suddenly under this strain, and the mustang, with a gasp, fell choking to the ground.
Dick had often heard of the manner in which the Mexicans "break" their horses, so he determined to abandon the method which had already almost worn him out, and adopt the other, as far as the means in his power rendered it possible.

Instead, therefore, of loosening the lasso and re-commencing the struggle, he tore a branch from a neighbouring bush, cut the hobbles, strode with his legs across the fallen steed, seized the end of the short line or bridle, and then, ordering Crusoe to quit his hold, he loosened the noose which compressed the horse's neck and had already well-nigh terminated its existence.
One or two deep sobs restored it, and in a moment it leaped to its feet with Dick firmly on its back.