Samuel spread out his arms; and then in a flash the
creature was upon him.
It swerved to pass him; and the boy wheeled, leaped swiftly, and flung
himself at the bridle.
He caught it; his arms were wrenched, but he hung on, and jerked
himself up. The horse flung him to one side; but with a swift clutch,
Samuel caught him by the nostrils with one hand, and gripped fast.
Then he drew himself up close and hung grimly, his eyes shut, with a
grasp like death.
And he was still hanging there when the run-away stopped, and the
occupant leaped from the vehicle and rushed to help him. "My God!" he
cried, "but that was nerve!"
He was a young fellow, white as a sheet and trembling in every muscle.
"How did you do it?" he panted.
"I just held on," said Samuel.
"God, but I'm thankful to you!" exclaimed the other. "You've saved my
life!"
Samuel still clung to the horse, which was quivering with nervousness.
"He'd never have got away from me, but one rein broke. See here!"--And
he held up the end.
"What started him?" asked Samuel.
"Nothing," said the other--"a piece of paper, likely. He's a fool--
always was." And he shook his fist in the horse's face, exclaiming,
"By God, I'll tame you before I finish with you!"
"Look out!" said Samuel. "You'll start him again! "And again he
clutched the horse, which started to plunge.
"I've got him now," said the other.
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