The rider knew the risk of keeping up the fight with the obdurate beast, for the master was sure to arrive on the spot within a few seconds.

Before the rancher could reach him he went from the saddle as if shot out of a gun.
Freed from his incubus, Cap emitted a joyful whinny and trotted toward his master.
"You rascal!" exclaimed the delighted rancher, vaulting upon his back in a twinkling.

"Now we'll settle with the chap that tried to part you and me." All this consumed but a few moments.

The Indian could not have gone far.

He would not dash among the cattle, who, now that they were stampeded, were as dangerous as so many wild beasts.