The gleam of yellow light when it sprang up revealed the horse lying with a jagged stump through it, and beyond it the rider, with one leg twisted and bent up under him. One of the two went over and stooped down, taking the man by his shoulders and pulling him along the ground till his leg was straight, when he let him fall again. The man groaned as his back came heavily against the ground.
"Listen!" the other exclaimed, as he stood up. "They're after us. Collar the gold and clear."
He sprang to where the injured horse was impaled, and tugged at the straps that held the bags. His companion came to his assistance.
"Hold the horses, you fool! Be ready to ride for it."
The straps were loose by the time the other man was in his saddle, with the reins of the second horse on his arm.
"Here!" the first exclaimed as he rushed up with the bags in his arm. "Take them quick."
The second man took them, and let go the reins, which the other seized.
"Tap! My God, Tap, you're not——"
The man addressed turned savagely with an ugly oath.
"It's the mare. Kill the mare before you go. She's hurt, bad," the injured man groaned.