And there was the train in view; the deed would probably be seen, and, if so, would be seen as murder; and then would come pursuit of the assassin, with possibly his seizure and confession.

It would not do; no, it would not do here and now; he must dash forward and prevent it.
Swinging his saddle upon his horse's back, he vaulted into it without touching pommel or stirrup, and set off at full speed to arrest the blow which he desired.

Over the plain flew the fiery animal, Coronado balancing himself in his unsteady seat with marvellous ease and grace, his dark eyes steadily watching every movement of the bushwhacker.

There were sheets of bare rock here and there; there were loose slates and detached blocks of sandstone.

The beast dashed across the first without slipping, and cleared the others without swerving; his rider bowed and swayed in the saddle without falling.
Texas Smith was now within a few yards of Thurstane, and it could be seen that he had drawn his revolver.