They could not understand for a time, but presently the saddle came loose, the cinches flipped out, and the whole apparatus crashed to the ground.

Nor was this all.

The rider leaned forward and his hands worked on the head of his mount until the hackamore also came free and was tossed aside.

To that thing fifteen good men and true swore the next day with strange oaths, and told how a man rode for his life on a horse that wore neither saddle nor bridle but ran obediently to voice and hand.
Every ounce counted, and there were other ounces to be spared.

He was leaning again, to this side and then to that, and presently the posse rushed past the discarded riding-boots.
There lay the rifle in its case on the saddle far behind.