Within that short space the outcome must be decided. In those moments of din and confusion, Jack felt his heart beating with painful force. His eyes were swimming, but his mind had never been more clear or determined.
"I've done my best to save the idiotic little beast from himself," he muttered, grimly, "but he's bound to be dashed to pieces on the rocks below. Now, it's up to me to take a leap for life."
The moment for quick action had come.
Pale faced, but resolute, Jack was slipping his feet out of the stirrups, when a sudden, astonishing vision confronted his eyes—a huge dark form had lumbered rapidly out from the bushes directly in the path of his onrushing horse.
Bewildered, the boy hesitated. Then came a glancing impact which sent him flying over the broncho's head.
CHAPTER XII
THE LOST PACKHORSE
A monster black bear had collided with Conroy's horse, sending the runaway to its knees.
The astounded leader of the Ramblers saw Jack catapulted into the air and bruin knocked flat on his back.