Part 11 (1/2)

”I gif him avay!” bawled the poor German youth. ”Oh!”

For the steed had made another leap, and now Hans went over his neck in a jiffy, to land in a heap of dust on the side of the road. Then the horse took to his heels and disappeared up the trail like a flash.

”Are you hurt?” questioned d.i.c.k, leaping to the ground and running to the German youth's a.s.sistance.

”Vere is dot horse?” sang out Hans as he scrambled up and wiped the dust from his mouth and eyes. He was not injured, but was greatly excited.

”The horse has run away.”

”Vell, I nefer! Go after him, somepotty!”

”I'll go after him!” cried Tom.

”So will I,” added Fred, and away they sped, with Sam and Songbird after them.

”Be careful!” called d.i.c.k. ”That horse may prove to be a pretty high-strung beast.”

”I think I can manage him,” cried Tom. ”But we have got to locate him first.”

Those in pursuit of the horse had to travel the best part of a mile before they came in sight of the animal, quietly grazing by the roadside.

”Looks as meek as a lamb,” observed Fred. ”Whoa, there!” he called out.

At the call, the horse p.r.i.c.ked up his ears and looked at them curiously.

Then he took half a dozen steps forward.

”He is going to run away again!” came in a warning from Songbird.

”Not to-day!” sang out Tom, and riding forward, he leaned over and caught the dangling reins. Then, watching his chance, he leaped into the other saddle.

Scarcely had he done this, than the runaway steed began to prance, and kicked up his heels as before. But Tom was on guard, and try his best, the horse could not dislodge the boy.

”Beware, Tom!” cried Sam. ”Don't let him throw you, or he may step on you!”

”I don't intend to let him throw me!” was the panting answer.

Finding he could not throw Tom, the horse adopted new tactics. He gave a sudden bound forward and was off with the speed of the wind.

”He is running away with Tom!”

On and on went the steed, and Tom did his best to pull him in, but without result. Then the fun-loving youth smiled grimly and shut his teeth hard.

”All right, Old Fireworks, if you want to run, I'll give you all you want of it,” he murmured.

On and on they flew, until a bend in the road shut off the others from view. A mile was covered, and the horse showed signs of slackening his speed.

”No, you don't,” said Tom. ”You wanted to run, now keep it up for a while,” and he slapped the animal vigorously.

Away went the horse, and another quarter of a mile was pa.s.sed. Then the horse slackened up once more.