Jim returned to the attack and separated them. In doing so he became wedged in a corner against the fence, and the stallion came straight at him.
He had no time to use the lash, so, seizing it short in his hand, he twisted it round and raised the stock.
He struck the now infuriated horse a blow on the forehead, which dazed him for a moment but did not daunt him. The horse stood on his hind legs and commenced to strike at Jim with his fore feet.
Jim Dennis knew he had never been in such a tight fix before, and he commenced to wonder what would happen.
He struck the horse's fore legs again and again with the stock of his whip, but could not beat him off.
He heard the gate opened, but did not see who was there. Presently the stallion was attacked in the rear, and a vigorous lashing from a strong arm made him alter his tactics. He came down on all fours and then kicked furiously. Jim Dennis dodged round him, and, standing back to give himself more room, again plied his lash with effect.
The horse was now beaten, and took his defeat sullenly. He retreated, and received a parting whack as he went.
Jim Dennis then saw it was Constable Doonan who had so timely come to the rescue.
'You were in a tight corner, Jim. I came just in time. That's a brute of a horse. Where did you get him?'
'I didn't get him, he came of his own accord. He doesn't belong to me. I found him with my mob when I was out on the run. The storm gave them a fright, and they galloped into the yard. He commenced to savage my horses, so I had to separate them. We have had a toughish struggle.'