The saddle was still on his back and his bridle trailed on the ground.

Ned met him and patted his faithful head.

Already he had taken his resolution.

There would be no place for Old Jack in the Alamo, but this good friend of his should not fall into the hands of the Mexicans.
He slipped off saddle and bridle, struck him smartly on the shoulder and exclaimed: "Good-by, Old Jack, good-by! Keep away from our enemies and wait for me." The horse looked a moment at his master, and, to Ned's excited eyes, it seemed for a moment that he wished to speak.

Old Jack had never before been dismissed in this manner.