But one who could have had a nearer view of it, would have given a different explanation of Hendrik's conduct.
The fact was, that as soon as the eland halted Hendrik intended to halt also; and for that purpose pulled strongly upon his bridle.

But, to his astonishment, he found that his quagga did not share his intention.
Instead of obeying the bit, the animal caught the steel in his teeth, and laying his ears back, galloped straight on! Hendrik then endeavoured to turn the quagga to one side, and for this purpose wrenched his right rein; but with such fierceness, that the old bit-ring gave way--the bit slipped through the animal's jaws--the head-stall came off with the jerk--and the quagga was completely unbridled! Of course the animal was now free to go just as he liked; and it was plain that he liked to go with his old comrades.

His old comrades he well knew them to be, as his snorting and occasional neigh of recognition testified.
At first Hendrik was disposed to look upon the breaking of his bit as only a slight misfortune.

For a boy he was one of the best riders in South Africa, and needed no rein to steady him.

He could keep his seat without one.