He regained his composure in a moment. "Go very slow," he
whispered, "and don't make a move till I shout. Keep as far over to your
side as you can." They approached the three grim watchers, their horses
almost eased to a walk. Not a word was spoken on either side. When they had
reached a point almost directly opposite their pursuers, Colonel Bill made
a pretence of pulling up his horse, only to catch the reins in a firmer
grip, and then, with a sudden dig of the spurs, he yelled, "Now!" and his
horse sprang forward like a frightened deer. At the same instant Miss
Braxton deliberately swung her horse across the road and behind his. Then
there came the sharp report of a pistol, followed by the rush of the
pursuing horses. But high above all other sounds rose General Braxton's
agonized voice: "My God, don't shoot! Don't shoot!" Before the Colonel
could turn in his saddle Miss Braxton was beside him.
"Why didn't you stay where you were?" he cried, sharply, the sense of her
peril setting his nerves on edge. As he realized that it was for his sake
she had come between him and danger, his eyes grew moist.
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