Beadles Boys Library of Sport, Story and Adventure, Vol. I, No. 1. | Page 7

full of excitement,
Billy waited for the horses to reach the stream, which they entered to
quench their thirst.
As every head was lowered and the nostrils driven deep into the cool
waters, out of the thicket dashed the Boy Horse-Hunter, and the
clattering hoofs startled the drove, and in confusion and fright they
turned to fly.
Straight as an arrow went the boy toward the black stallion, which
attempted to dash by with the mass.
But with an unerring hand the lariat was thrown, the coil settled down
over the haughty head, a tremendous jerk followed, and Sable Satan
was thrown to the ground.
With an exultant cry Billy sprung from his saddle, and quickly formed
a "bow-stall"[1] which, when properly made, is more effective than a
severe curb bit--and placed it upon the animal that was choked beyond
the power of resistance.
[Footnote 1: A "bow-stall" is formed by taking a turn with a rope or
lariat between the nostrils and eyes of a horse, and passing one end
over the head, back of the ears and tied on the opposite side. A second
noose is then made around the jaws and from this the reins lead back
toward the rider, who can then thoroughly manage the animal.--THE
AUTHOR.]
Loosening the lariat around his neck Billy sprung upon the prostrate
animal, which, with a wild snort bounded to his feet, and with
prodigious leaps started on after the flying herd, his daring young rider
firmly seated upon his back.

Finding he could not unseat Billy by bounding, he came to a sudden
halt, and then reared wildly; but with catlike tenacity the boy clung to
him, and then Sable Satan mad with rage and fright, attempted to tear
him from his back with his gleaming teeth.
A severe jerk on the bow-stall however thwarted this, and with a
maddened cry the splendid prairie king bounded on once more after the
flying herd, a call to Little Grey from Billy causing him to follow at a
swift run.
With a speed that was marvelous Sable Satan flew on, directly into the
drove, the daring young rider still clinging to him, determined to dare
any danger to keep the animal whose capture had baffled the very best
horsemen of the plains.
Sweeping through the herd, as though they were stationary, so great
was his speed, the black stallion soon left them far behind, and glancing
back Billy saw that Little Grey had not cared to venture into the midst
of the wild band and was galloping away over the prairies.
Not knowing who might pick him up, and having his rifle, ammunition
and provisions strapped to his saddle, he determined to go on after
Little Grey, and at once a fierce fight began between the boy and his
horse.
But the boy proved the master, and after a severe struggle the black
stallion was subdued, and guided by the bow-stall was in full chase of
Little Grey, while Sable Satan's former subjects were flying away
northward without their leader.
When in chase of Little Grey, Billy soon discovered the remarkable
speed of his new capture, for he overhauled his former pet with ease,
and now thoroughly broken in, the saddle and bridle were transferred to
the black's back, and exultant over his success the boy rode on to the
fort, where large sums were offered him for the famous stallion.
But Billy refused each tempting offer, and on Sable Satan set out to
capture more of the herd, and which he readily succeeded in doing; but

as the Government offer of ten dollars for the fugitive animals became
known, there were a number of men starting on the trail of the wild
mustangs and though Billy got the lion's share, he did not quite realize
the expected fortune, but was content with the few hundreds he made,
and the ownership of Sable Satan and Little Grey, the two fastest
horses on the Kansas prairies.
CHAPTER VI.
SAVING A FATHER'S LIFE.
While in Kansas Mr. Cody became interested in the affairs of the State
and joined the Free State party, and while making a speech on one
occasion was deliberately attacked and severely wounded.
He however recovered sufficiently to work on his farm again, but was
constantly harassed by his old foes, who on several occasions visited
his home with the intention of hanging him.
On one occasion, when in town, Billy learned of an attack to be made
upon his father, and mounting Sable Satan rode with all speed out to
the farm.
He was recognized and hotly pursued; but he got home in time to warn
his father who took Little Grey and made his escape.
The horsemen, a score in number, came to the farm, and finding Mr.
Cody gone,