of the mustang. He expected him to drop dead
on the instant, when he would serve the purpose intended of a breastwork
for his master.

Avon had withdrawn his attention at the critical moment, fearful that
the Comanches, realizing the straits of himself and companion, would
overwhelm them before resistance could be offered. Thus his head was
turned away from the mortally hurt horse of the captain, which, instead
of sinking helpless to the earth, made a frantic leap and fell upon the
unprepared youth.

It seemed for the moment as if a mountain had descended upon him. He
struggled fiercely to free himself, and in his desperate effort worked
his head and shoulders clear, but while trying to draw his revolver for
his last defence, he succumbed. The sunlight faded from before his eyes,
all became blank darkness, and consciousness departed.

CHAPTER XXXI.

FLAG OF TRUCE.

There was nothing to cause apprehension on the part of the cowboys in
camp, when they heard the report of a single rifle from beyond the ridge
over which Captain Shirril, Avon Burnet, and the young Comanche Shackaye
had ridden in pursuit of the cattle that went astray the night before.
One of the party might have found a chance to bring down something in
the nature of game, which is liable to be encountered at every part of
the Great Cattle Trail, from the outskirts of the capital of Texas to
its termination in the State of Kansas.

But when, soon after, the shots came thick and fast, it was apparent
that something unusual was going on.

"There's mischief afoot!" called out Gleeson, "and that Comanche is at
the bottom of it. Come, boys!"

There was not an instant's hesitation on the part of any member of the
company. The cattle that were quietly browsing on the succulent grass
were left to wander off or stampede themselves, or do whatever they
chose, while the cowboys, including Nunez, the Mexican, swung into their
saddles and sped away on a dead run toward the ridge.

Before they reached it the missing cattle came up from the other side
and appeared on the crest. The advent of the steer that had suffered so
severely at the hands of Avon Burnet imparted a mild panic to the
others, so that the whole lot were on a trot. The horsemen were in too
great haste to turn aside, and the animals, therefore, swerved to the
right and continued their brisk gait in the direction of the main herd.

As has been said, every mustang was running at the highe