Just as Mrs.Fortescue settled herself in saddle and gave her horse a light touch with her riding-crop, a strange sound was borne upon the sharp wind, the unmistakable sound of a runaway horse.

Sergeant McGillicuddy and Anita heard the sound at the same moment, and stood motionless to listen.

It grew rapidly near and nearer and stray passers-by turned toward the main entrance, from which direction came the wild clatter of iron-shod hoofs in maddened flight.
Suddenly through the open main entrance dashed Gamechick without a rider.
A riderless horse fleeing in terror, is one of the most tragic sights on earth.

The horse came pounding at breakneck speed, blinded in his fright, as runaway horses are, but instinctively taking the straight path across the plaza.

It was as if the frantic hoof-beats awakened the whole post.