In a twinkling he had his huge bowie in his right hand, and, shouting to his mustang, he headed out on the prairie, and made a dash for life and freedom.
At such a crisis, everything depends upon the sagacity and intelligence of the horse.

It requires something more than speed--it needs a grasp of the "situation," upon the part of the brute, and the guidance of his action which should result therefrom.

It was in this respect that Sut Simpson possessed an advantage which can scarcely be appreciated.

He made no attempt to guide or control the creature he bestrode; but, bending forward upon his back and clutching his terrible weapon in his hand, he uttered a shout, which the mustang interpreted as an appeal to do his best, and he proceeded to do so without an instant's hesitation.
Still, it was vain to try to dodge through the converging warriors without coming in contact with them.

There were too many to permit any such performance, but the wall was not impenetrable.