They filled the bush ranger with fury, and desire for vengeance; while the sight of the approaching constable showed him that, unless he took prompt measures, he would have two adversaries to fight at once.
Without a moment's hesitation, he set spurs to his horse and dashed at Reuben.

When within twenty yards, he fired.
Reuben felt a sharp pain, as if a hot iron had been passed across his cheek.

Thorne uttered a shout of exultation as he saw him start but, as he kept his seat, again raised his hand to fire.

In an instant Reuben discharged his pistol, and the bush ranger's weapon dropped from his hand, for Reuben's bullet passed through his wrist.
Throwing the burden before him headlong to the ground, Thorne drew a pistol with his left hand; and the two shots rung out again, at almost the same instant.

Reuben, however, was slightly the quickest, and this saved his life.