were
approaching water, and in a few minutes they were close on it. For the
first time Dick felt alarm; he sought to check his steed, but no force
he could exert had the smallest influence on it.

Trees and bushes flew past in bewildering confusion; the river was
before him; what width, he could not tell, but he was reckless now, like
his charger, which he struck with the willow rod with all his force as
they came up. One tremendous bound, and they were across, but Dick had
to lie flat on the mustang's back as it crashed through the bushes to
avoid being scraped off by the trees. Again they were on the open
plain, and the wild horse began to show signs of exhaustion.

Now was its rider's opportunity to assert his dominion. He plied the
willow rod and urged the panting horse on, until it was white with foam
and laboured a little in its gait. Then Dick gently drew the halter,
and it broke into a trot; still tighter--and it walked--and in another
minute stood still, trembling in every limb. Dick now quietly rubbed
its neck, and spoke to it in soothing tones, then he wheeled it gently
round and urged it forward. It was quite subdued and docile. In a
little time they came to the river and forded it, after which they went
through the belt of woodland at a walk. By the time they reached the
open prairie, the mustang was recovered sufficiently to feel its spirit
returning, so Dick gave it a gentle touch with the switch, and away they
went on their return journey.

But it amazed Dick not a little to find how long that journey was. Very
different was the pace, too, from the previous mad gallop, and often
would the poor horse have stopped had Dick allowed him. But this might
not be. The shades of night were approaching, and the camp lay a long
way ahead.

At last it was reached, and Crusoe came out with great demonstrations of
joy, but was sent back lest he should alarm the horse. Then Dick jumped
off his back, stroked his head, put his cheek close to his mouth, and
whispered softly to him, after which he fastened him to a tree and
rubbed him down slightly with a bunch of grass. Having done this, he
left him to graze as far as his tether would permit, and, after supping
with Crusoe, lay down to rest, not a little elated with his success in
this first attempt at "creasing" and "breaking" a mustang.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

DICK BECOMES A HORSE TAMER--RESUMES HIS JOURNEY--CHARLIE'S DOINGS--
MISFORTUNES WHICH LEAD