Jane clasped her arms suddenly strong.

"They're gainin'," went on Lassiter, as he watched the pursuing riders.

"But we'll beat 'em yet." Turning with Jane's bridle in his hand, he was about to start when he saw the saddle-bag on the fallen horse.
"I've jest about got time," he muttered, and with swift fingers that did not blunder or fumble he loosened the bag and threw it over his shoulder.

Then he started to run, leading Jane's horse, and he ran, and trotted, and walked, and ran again.

Close ahead now Jane saw a rise of bare rock.