"That's right! Hold him!" called a man. "I'll help you in a minute!"
"I guess I can manage him now," said Roy calmly. "There now, old fellow," he went on, speaking soothingly to the horse. The animal was having hard work to breathe. Roy saw this and loosened his hold slightly. Then he began to pat the horse, continuing to speak to it. The animal, which was more frightened than vicious, began to calm down.
"I've got him!" exclaimed the policeman, coming up and taking hold of the bridle.
"Oh, he's all right now; aren't you, old fellow?" spoke Roy, as he rubbed the horse's muzzle.
Indeed the animal did seem to be. His dangerous hoofs were still, and, though he trembled a bit, he was quieting down.
"That was a fine catch, my lad," remarked one man. "Where did you learn to stop runaway horses?"
"Out on my father's ranch in Colorado. This is nothing. We have a runaway every day out there. I've often caught 'em."
"Then the city ought to hire a few lads like you to give some of our policemen lessons," went on the man, with a meaning glance at the officer.
"Come now, move on. Don't collect a crowd," spoke the bluecoat gruffly. He was a little bit ashamed that he had not made an attempt to stop the horse, but it was due more to thoughtlessness than to actual fear. Besides, he first considered getting the women out of harm's way.
"It was a brave act," went on the man. "I'd like to shake hands with you, young man."