In one day the inhuman brute could destroy for range use a whole herd.
In the meantime, the cattle were growing wilder and wilder from the pain caused by the hamstringer's knife, the wild career of the unmounted man among them, and Ted and Stella pressing through them from the rear with shouts and cracking quirts.
"Great Scott! They'll get him!" shouted Ted, reining in his pony.
The furious steers had turned their attention to the man on foot, and were surging about him with angry bellowings, charging upon him, and crowding him.
He was in a very perilous position, and it was only that the cattle were herded so close together that he had not gone down sooner.
But once the cattle got him down he would be gored and trampled to death. Nothing could save him.
Ted and Stella were trying to force their way to his side, but were unable to do so.
Notwithstanding the fact the fellow had been caught in the act of mutilating his cattle, Ted could not see him die without trying to save him.
Now they heard a cry of fear, and saw the man throw his arms up in the air.
The cattle were surging about him with wild and angry bovine cries, and with a great tossing of horns, and leaps into the air.