"The colt is maddened by his struggles with us, and in far more dangerous a condition than when you first mounted. It is madness to think of attempting to make your way through the thicket in the darkness. I implore you to give over the attempt, and let us press on as best we may afoot."
"Now you are asking that I leave these brave men, and among them my husband, to be surprised by an enemy that knows no mercy, for it is positive you could not get through in time. Turn the colt, if it so be you can, and once he is headed in the right direction, jump aside."
"Shall we do it?" Evan asked, for even now it was in his mind to disobey the brave woman's commands.
The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard.—[Page 113].
"Ay, I see no other course," Nathan replied, and then he devoted all his energies toward carrying out her instructions.
Not less than five minutes were spent in the battle between the boys and the animal, and then the former were the conquerers so far as having turned him around was concerned.
"Now stand ready to let him go, and leap back out of the way," Mrs. Dillard cried. "Then do you press on at your best speed in case I am thrown again, and forced to give over this method of traveling."
"Are you ready?" Evan cried.