The cow-horse, as though feeling the security that was in that familiar motion of his master's arm, steadied himself, and, in the few active moments that followed, obedient to every signal of his rider, did his part with almost human intelligence.
When the bull was safely tied, Phil went to the frightfully injured horse, and with a merciful bullet ended the animal's suffering.

Then he looked thoughtfully at Patches, who stood gazing ruefully at the dead animal, as though he felt himself to blame for the loss of his employer's property.

A slight smile lightened the cowboy's face, as he noticed his companion's troubled thought.
"I suppose I've done it now," said Patches, as though expecting well-merited censure.
Phil's smile broadened.

"You sure have," he returned, as he wiped the sweat from his face.

"I'm much obliged to you." Patches looked at him in confused embarrassment.
"Don't you know that you saved my life ?" asked Phil dryly.
"But--but, I killed a good horse for the Dean," stammered Patches.
To which the Dean's foreman returned with a grin, "I reckon Uncle Will can stand the loss--considering." This relieved the tension, and they laughed together.
"But tell me something, Patches," said Phil, curiously.