"It would be kind of unpleasant if they happen to take a notion to make you walk all the way to jail." He beckoned Stopper, who immediately moved up, slackening the rope.

The thrown horse drew up his knees, gave a preliminary heave and scrambled to his feet, Bud taking care that the man was pulled free and safe.

The fellow stood up sulkily defiant, unable to rest much of his weight on his left leg.
Bud had ten busy minutes, and it was not until they were both mounted and headed for Little Lost, the captive with his arms tied behind him, his feet tied together under the horse, which Bud led, that Bud had time to wonder what it was all about.

Then he began to look for Honey, who had disappeared.

But in the softened light of the rising moon mingling with the afterglow of sunset, he saw the deep imprints of her horse's hoofs where he had galloped homeward.