The great horse was laboring hard and the Mexican cavalry, comparatively fresh, was coming on fast.

It was evident that he would soon be overtaken, and so sure were the Mexicans of it that they did not fire.
There were deep reserves of courage and fortitude in this boy, deeper than even he himself suspected.

When he saw that he could not escape by speed, the way out flashed upon him.

To think was to do.

He turned his horse without hesitation and urged him forward with a mighty cry.
Never had Old Jack made a more magnificent response.