and the mustang, with a gasp, fell choking to the

ground.

Dick had often heard of the manner in which the

Mexicans "break" their horses, so he determined to

abandon the method which had already almost worn

him out, and adopt the other, as far as the means in

his power rendered it possible. Instead, therefore, of

loosening the lasso and re-commencing the struggle, he

tore a branch from a neighbouring bush, cut the hobbles,

strode with his legs across the fallen steed, seized the