But the bullet, instead of striking the horseman, struck the horse squarely in the head.

The horse fell instantly, and Urrea, hurled violently over his head, lay still.
Ned caught it all in a fleeting glance, and in a few more steps he gained the second wood.

He did not know how much Urrea was hurt, nor did he care.

He had paid back a little, too.

He was sure, also, that the pursuit would be less vigorous, now that its leader was disabled.
The second grove did not contain so many vines and bushes, but, hiding behind a tree there, Ned saw the horsemen hold off.