The swing the horses made just then sent his feet flying out in a wild circle, but he held on, and the rebound landed him on the seat.
Our hero cast a quick look within the vehicle. The colonel had "rousted" up somewhat. Buffeted from side to side by the erratic and violent movements of the horses, he was trying to maintain his balance by frantically clinging with both hands to the cushion under him.
As a wheel struck a stone the jar drove him forward. His head smashed out the front glass, and he uttered a yell of fear.
"Don't stir—don't jump!" shouted Bart through the opening thus made.
"We'll be killed!" cried the man.
"No, we won't. Do as I say. I'm on deck, and I'll—"
Bart sized up the situation, counted its risks and possibilities, and described a sudden forward leap.
The lines were torn and trailing under the horses' feet. He cut the air in a reckless, but well planned dive.
Bart landed sprawling between the two horses, his knee striking the carriage pole.
Bracing himself there, he caught out at the head of either horse. With a firm grip his fingers closed on the bridle reins.