A carbine flashed in front of him, two dim figures went by at a gallop, and a third one flung an order over his shoulder as he passed.
"Go back.

The Sergeant's hurt and Shannon has got a bullet in him." Trooper Payne had surmised as much already, and went back as fast as he could ride, while the beat of hoofs grew fainter down the trail.

Ten minutes later, he drew bridle close by a man who held a lantern, and saw Sergeant Stimson sitting very grim in face on the ground.

It transpired later that his horse had fallen and thrown him, and it was several weeks before he rode again.
"You lost your man ?" he said.

"Get down." Payne dismounted.