The Pacing Mustang 



back to Big Arroyo Crossing. Now almost for 

 the first time he saw signs of weakening in the 

 Black. His mane and tail were not just quite so 

 high, and his short half mile of start was down 

 by more than half, but still he stayed ahead 

 and paced and paced and paced. 



An hour and another hour, and still they went 

 the same. But they turned again, and night 

 was near when big Arroyo ford was reached — 

 fully twenty miles. But Jo was game, he seized 

 the waiting horse. The one he left went gasp- 

 ing to the stream and gorged himself with wa- 

 ter till he died. 



Then Jo held back in hopes the foaming 

 Black would drink. But he was wise ; he gulped 

 a single gulp, splashed through the stream and 

 then passed on with Jo at speed behind him. 

 And when they last were seen the Black was on 

 ahead just out of reach and Jo's horse bound- 

 ing on. 



It was morning when Jo came to camp on 

 foot. His tale was briefly told : — eight horses 

 dead — five men worn out — the matchless Pacer 

 safe and free. 



" 'Taint possible ; it can't be done. Sorry I 

 260 



