The next instant there was a terrific crash that made me sick from head to foot. With all his force the bull had sprung forward, only to receive the sharp end of the spade straight between his eyes.
The blow was as if it had been delivered by an axe. It made a frightful cut, and the blood rushed forth in a torrent.
With a mad cry of pain the bull backed out. At first I thought he was going to charge me again, but evidently the blow was too much for him, for with several moans he turned, and with his head hanging down, he staggered across the garden to the alley and disappeared.
CHAPTER XXVI
SAMMY SIMPSON
I gave a sigh of relief when the bull was gone. The encounter with the mad animal had been no laughing matter. I had once heard of a man being gored to death by just such an infuriated creature, and I considered that I had had a narrow escape. I put my hand to my forehead and found the cold sweat standing out upon it. Taking my handkerchief, I mopped it away.
"Are you hurt?" inquired the lady, with great solicitation.
"No, ma'am," I replied. "But it was a close shave!"
"Indeed it was. And you saved my Millie's life! How can I thank you!"
"I didn't do so much. I guess she's scared a good bit."