She lay as he had left her, but motionless and with closed eyes.

Again he knelt at her side, and at the sound of his voice the loving eyes were once more opened.

At the same time, with a mighty effort, the proud head was uplifted, as though the mare were about to struggle to her feet.

Just then came a shot from behind them, and, with a bullet intended for her young master buried deep in her brain, the dear horse yielded up her life.
The shot was so instantly followed by a clatter of hoofs, that Ridge had barely time to snatch his rifle and fling himself to the ground behind Senorita's body before the beef-riders appeared charging up the road, yelling and firing, as they came.
With his rifle resting across the mare's side, Ridge took quick aim and fired.

One of the advancing horsemen threw up his arms and fell over backward, but the young American did not see him; for, without waiting to note the effect of his shot, he dropped the rifle and seized his revolver.