The horses started.

Grant fell backward from the step, dropping the reins; and while the others stood dazzled by the flash, the terrified animals backed the vehicle with a crash against the stable.

Then they plunged madly forward toward the fence, with the reins trailing along the ground.

Flora had got in before her father, and she was now helpless.
It was too late when Grant got up; Grierson and Edgar were too far away, and the latter stood still, wondering with a thrill of horror what the end would be; he did not think the horses saw the thin wire fence, and the gap in it was narrow.

If they struck a post in going through, the vehicle would overturn.