He yelled.

It was a sharp yell that would have made anyone start.

But it came too late, for the burro had dropped.
Steele knocked over several of the jeering men to get to Andrews.

He kicked the fellow's feet from under him, sending him hard to the ground.
Then Steele picked up the end of the halter and began to swing it powerfully.

Resounding smacks mingled with hoarse bellows of fury and pain.