His hand shot across the few inches necessary, gripping the halter with a strength that could not be shaken.
As the horses slackened speed the second rider swung around to Tom’s left. He, too, in another instant, placed his hand on the leather straps. Aching in every joint, with the breath nearly shaken out of his body, Tom Clifton felt unable to utter a word when muscular arms, with a final tug, brought the animal to a full stop.
“Now I reckon you’ll come to your senses!” exclaimed the man who had spoken before.
Tom Clifton straightened up to glance into his captor’s face, which was clearly revealed by the light of the moon.
For a second he seemed dumfounded into silence; then a cry of astonishment came from his lips.
CHAPTER XVI
THE LOADED WAGON
“Billy Ashe!” exclaimed Tom Clifton, in the greatest amazement, when his breath and the excited state of his feelings permitted him to speak.
The trooper seemed to be fully as astonished as the Rambler.
“You—you!” he cried. “What in thunder are you doing out on the plains at this time of night? And riding a horse without saddle or bridle?” His voice became sharp and angry. “Confound it, fellow, you’ve spoilt the whole business!”
“What do you mean?” demanded Tom.