In a moment the saddle and bridle were transferred, and Pedro leaped upon the back of a fresh horse.
“How much money?” he cried.
“Away!” cried the man with a heart, as he struck the mustang across the rump with a whip.
Like an arrow from a bow the little tough-knot leaped away, swiftly as the wind.
He was a fleet courser, and struck at once into that long easy stride that tells wonderfully in an hour.
Onward, steadily onward under the silent stars, the fleet hoofs springing from the soft grass of the plain with tireless tread.
Then, as the stars began to pale in the sky, two horsemen appeared in the course of the flying mustang.
“Away!” shrieked Pedro. “This is for life or death!”
They stood firm in his course, and, with a determined cry, the boy drew his revolvers.
“Crack!”