se horses?" exclaimed Hal.

"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it,"
said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs
again, you'll know just what to do."

It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they
started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that
we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly
curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away.
Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder.

"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal.

Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of
the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's
side, securing him with ropes.

In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the
shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the
Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and
lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a
manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the
most determined efforts, to escape.

They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized
this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently
caress him. He was a noble old fellow,--a snow-white stallion with brown
mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed.

As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to
ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it
until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it.

The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the
cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large
nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though
shot through the brain.

We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly
entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated
Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of
camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river
bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with
this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content.

The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay
over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a
pr