The animal appeared to know that its master was about to part from it.

It turned its head towards him; and, with bent neck, and steaming nostrils, gave utterance to a low neigh that, while proclaiming affection, seemed to say, "Why do you forsake me ?" Under other circumstances the Kentuckian would have shed tears.

For months he and his horse had been as man and man together in many a long prairie journey--a companionship which unites the traveller to his steed in liens strong as human friendship, almost as lasting, and almost as painful to break.

So Frank Hamersley felt, as he flung the bridle back on the animal's withers--still retaining hold of the rein, loth to relinquish it.
But there was no alternative.

Behind were the shouting pursuers quickly coming on.