But Cordova left her only a moment for doubt.
The black streak curled around his head, and through the open window she heard the crack of the lash-end.

Alcatraz did not stir under the blow.
Once more the blacksnake whirled, and Cordova leaned back to give the stroke the full stretch of arm and body; yet Alcatraz did not so much as lift an ear.

Only when the lash hung in mid-air did he stir.

The rope which tethered him hung slack, and this enabled the stallion to give impetus to his backward leap.

All the weight of his body, all the strain of his leg muscles snapped the rope taut.