The girl on the runaway was his companion.
Instantly Frank seemed to understand what had happened.
“The fool!” burst from his lips. “He has kept at his own horse till the one the girl is riding has been frightened and is running away with her. She may be thrown and killed!”
Without loss of time, Frank turned about, so he was heading in the same direction as the runaway horse, which was coming behind him.
“Pwhat are yez goin’ to do?” cried Barney.
“I am going to stop that runaway horse if I am built right!” returned Frank, with grim determination.
“Look out—look out, there!”
The man in pursuit of the runaway shouted to the boys.
Barney was not given time to turn about. He tried to do so, but in his haste and confusion, ran out of the road into the ditch, and was forced to dismount. Before he could get into the saddle again the frightened horse was bearing the girl past.
The Irish boy caught a glimpse of her face, from which the warm color had fled. Her lips were pressed firmly together, and there was a look of fear in her dark eyes; but she was doing her very best to check the frightened horse, although the animal had the bit in his teeth, and her gloved hands seemed unable to do but little to restrain him.