There were but few upon the ground accustomed to such prairie escapades; and the fears of the many were exaggerated by their inexperience to the extreme of terror.
It continued, till their steeds, all caught up, had ceased their wild whighering; and only one was heard—the wretched creature that had given them the cue.
Then was discovered the true cause of the alarm; as also that the Connemara man had stolen off.
Fortunate for Phelim he had shown the good sense to betake himself to the bushes. Only by concealment had he saved his skin: for his life was now worth scarce so much as that of his master.
A score of rifles were clutched with angry energy,—their muzzles brought to bear upon the old mare.
But before any of them could be discharged, a man standing near threw his lazo around her neck, and choked her into silence.
Tranquillity is restored, and along with it a resumption of the deadly design. The Regulators are still in the same temper.
The ludicrous incident, whilst perplexing, has not provoked their mirth; but the contrary.
Some feel shame at the sorry figure they have cut, in the face of a false alarm; while others are chafed at the interruption of the solemn ceremonial.
They return to it with increased vindictiveness—as proved by their oaths, and angry exclamations.