Beadle's Dime Novels No. 316: Hurricane Bill — page 23: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A THRILLING MOMENT. 27 ing the rules of the trial, once he had the bold scout at his mercy. He inwardly vowed not to check his horse while even the semblance of life remained in the body dragging . helplessly at bis saddle-bow. But Mustang Sam uttered a single cry——not one of pain nor of «larm, though he was even then jerked sbarply backward until his shonlders touched the croup of his animal. It was a signal that Tormado perfectly understood and promptly Obeyed, wheeling on his heels like a. pivot, then with one great bound joosening the culting strain upon his miaste2’s body sufficiently to allow him to rise erect in the saddle. Don Blas Cavello was spurring furiously on, listening thirstily to hear the dull thud of the body striking upon the sand as it was plucked from the saddle; but this sound did hot come. Instead, the strain of the Jasso across his thigh Was lcssened, and be quickly turned his head to glance back. A furious curse broke from his lips. He saw Mustang Sam sitting erect in the saddle, while the big black stallion was dashing toward him-with wounderful speed, lessening the in- tervening distance with alarming rapidity. And, a_ strange fear thrilling his heart, Don Blas plied both spurs and cut- ling quirt, leaning forward as though to urge: his animal to greater speed by the weight of his body. Thrilling in every nerve, their eyes flashing, with bated breath the spectators watched the result. But Hurricane Bill replaced his revolver in its scabbard, and leaning ‘back in the saddle yelled and roured with mirth at this ludicrous Change in the state of affairs, until] his horse, frightened by his stentorian shouts, began plunging and bucking with far more energy than ease to ils rider, causing the scout to put hig utmost skill in play to prevent being thrown. But one thing astonished’ the spectators. Mustang Sam still galloped on with the rope around his body, not’ even having freed bis arms from the horsehair noose. What Can if mean? Has he been injured by the violent jerk ? If Don Blas should outrun the black mustang—and his ani- Wal is a good one, well known for both its speed and bot lom—the scout may still be plucked from the saddle. Hurricane Bill alone understands why his comrade acts ‘hus, He knows that Mustang Sam has resolved upon teach- COMIC OOOKS.COm »