This time his eyes fell on something which could not but remind him of his exciting chase, for a dozen yards away his own horse stood shaking after its frantic exertions, and blowing harder than Dudley had ever seen one blow before. The gallant beast was white with foam, and its flanks moved in and out spasmodically. Its head hung low, and generally its appearance was one of absolute exhaustion.
"He helped to save the señor's life," said Pietro. "He galloped well. But the señor was wise to shake off the saddle. Had he not done so this Giono would have certainly overhauled him earlier, and then——"
"And then? Yes?" asked Dudley.
"The señor would not be here. The señor would be dead. As it is, Giono is dead. He has a dozen bullets in him in addition to the one which you sent. Come, the señor is better."
Dudley was. In a flash he remembered his flight and all that had happened up to the report which had come from Giono's revolver. After that all was a blank.
"Tell me what happened," he asked, struggling to his feet and standing there with Pietro and another gaucho supporting him. "No, leave me alone please, for I can stand. I am just a little giddy, that's all, and, phew! my neck!"
"It is a wonder it was not broken, señor," came the answer. "You shot out from the back of your horse and flew some yards before you landed. I made sure that you were killed, for you fell on your head and rolled over. Another man's neck would have been broken."
"Then I am saved for some other fate," laughed Dudley, beginning to feel better. "Many thanks, my friends, for helping me, and for the water. Now, what happened exactly?"
He beckoned to Pepito, took a deep draught from the sack, and then turned to Pietro again.
"Giono made a better shot the last time he ever pulled trigger than he would have done had he dared to fire at the flying pith ball of the bolas, señor. You had hit him hard in the chest, and he was bleeding. But, as I said, he had luck. His ball hit your beast behind the knee, and brought him down like a stone, just as you or I would fall if someone struck us in a similar position. You fell, as I have described, and in a moment Giono was pulling up beside you, while his two comrades were galloping to join him. They were a fine mark, and we dropped them at our first volley."