The river was before him; what width, he could not tell, but he was reckless now, like his charger, which he struck with the willow rod with all his force as they came up.

One tremendous bound, and they were across, but Dick had to lie flat on the mustang's back as it crashed through the bushes to avoid being scraped off by the trees.

Again they were on the open plain, and the wild horse began to show signs of exhaustion.
Now was its rider's opportunity to assert his dominion.

He plied the willow rod and urged the panting horse on, until it was white with foam and laboured a little in its gait.

Then Dick gently drew the halter, and it broke into a trot; still tighter, and it walked, and in another minute stood still, trembling in every limb.