He did not feel sure of bringing down Texas at the first fire, and if he did not, his own life was not worth a second's purchase.

As for the fact that he had been lately saved from death by the borderer, that would not have checked Coronado's hand, even had he remembered it.

He must dash on at full speed, and prevent a crime which would be a blunder.

But already it was nearly too late, for the Texan was close upon the officer.

Nothing could save the doomed man but Coronado's magnificent horsemanship.