This delay and waste of priceless time was maddening him.

"Gents," he called desperately, "I got to get to Martindale today.

It's more than life or death to me.

Where's Doone's hoss ?" "Right across the road," said the old man who had spoken first.

"Over yonder in the corral--the bay." The traveler turned and saw, beyond the road, a beautiful mare, not very tall, but a mare whose every inch of her fifteen three proclaimed strength and speed.