It was a revelation to Cunningham, but he had no hope that the youth would be able to handle and stop the runaways.
However, although not seeming to be making great efforts to stop them, Merriwell continued to talk to the terrified creatures, his voice rhythmical, soothing, and pleasant.
For a considerable distance the runaways continued at their mad pace, but at last they began to slacken little by little, reassured and checked by that soothing voice.
And so, watched by the amazed man in the carriage, Frank slowly quieted them down until he was able to bring them to a halt upon the road, although they were trembling and nervous.
Merry had them by the heads the moment they stopped, having leaped to the ground.
Jack Cunningham jumped out of the wagon, declaring, in very picturesque language, that the trick had been well done.
“Yo’ must have been raised with hosses, young feller?” said the wondering ruffian.
“Not exactly,” said Frank, “but I have had some experience with them, and I have learned that no sensible man ever uses a whip on a horse without reason.”
“Do yo’ mean to call me a fool, youngster?”
“Well, I did not state it in exactly that language, but I think you were foolish to whip the horses in order to try to frighten me. That is plain.”