She gave one look, then started.
Stella rode quartering the path of the stampede, and would have made it
in safety had it not been for a prairie-dog hole, into which her pony's
foot went. Magpie went down. The thundering host of frantic cattle was
upon her when she felt herself caught in mid-air.
The thought of death was still ringing in her head, and everything swam
before her eyes.
"You're all right! Stick close!" It was the reassuring voice of Ted,
who, at the imminent risk of his own life, had ridden out and plucked
her from the jaws of death.
Behind them, as Sultan, straining every nerve and muscle to carry them
to safety, galloped ahead of the cattle, the boys rode into the ruck,
beating the brutes with their quirts in an endeavor to stop them.
But they went a mile before they began to slow down, and Ted was able to
deflect the course of Sultan, who was beginning to tire from the double
burden and the terrific pace.
But at last the steers calmed down, and permitted themselves to be
driven quietly to where the rest of the herd were grazing.
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