He saw that something more was necessary than to
rid himself merely of the ruffian immediately before him, and that an
unsuccessful blow or shot would leave him entirely at the mercy of the
gang. To escape, a free rein must be given to the steed, on which he
felt confident he could rely; and, though prompted by the most natural
impulse to send a bullet through the head of his assailant, he wisely
determined on a course which, as it would be unlooked for, had therefore
a better prospect of success.
Without further pause, drawing suddenly from his bosom the bowie-knife
commonly worn in those regions, and bending forward, he aimed a blow at
the ruffian, which, as he had anticipated, was expertly eluded--the
assailant, sinking under the neck of the steed, and relying on the
strength of the rein, which he still continued to hold, to keep him from
falling, while at the same time he kept the check upon the horse.
This movement was that which the youth had looked for and desired.
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