The outlaws' horses were concealed among the shrubbery, and they mounted and sped away through the railroad cut.
Jack and his friends ran after them.
The inventor now saw the sheriff.
One of the outlaws held him on a horse.
Jack aimed at the animal and fired a shot.
True to its mark sped the bullet, a wild neigh of agony escaped the animal, and it bounded high in the air and fell dead, the two riders being thrown to the ground.
The bandit was stunned.
But the sheriff, although pounded and bruised, escaped fatal injury and retained his senses.
"I've saved him!" said Jack.
"Bully fer you, my lad!"