The half wild horses, with their uncanny brute sense, knew the absence of a master, and took instant advantage of the knowledge.

With one will they sprang, lunged, and started forward, plunging.

Mary Warren dropped the lines.
"_Sit still there_!" she heard a voice call out imperatively.

Then, "Whoa! damn you, whoa now!" She could see nothing, but sensed combat.

Sim Gage had sprung forward and caught the cheek strap of the nearest horse.