Blount turned to the boy as if to interfere.

"Don't you put the weight of yo' finger on the boy, Blount!" warned Yancy.

"Light down, Hannibal!" Hannibal instantly availed himself of the invitation.

At the same moment Blount struck at Yancy with his whip and his horses reared wildly, thinking the blow meant for them.

Seeing that the boy had reached the ground in safety, Yancy relaxed his hold on the team, which instantly plunged forward.