One was Haines, sitting with his hands manacled. The other
was the second guard, who ran for Dan, whipping his rifle to his
shoulder. As flame spurted from the mouth of the gun, Dan dived at the
man's knees and brought him to the floor with a crash. He rose quickly
and leaned over the fallen man, who lay without moving, his arms
spread wide. He had struck on his forehead when he dropped. He was
stunned for the moment, but not seriously hurt. Dan ran to Haines, who
stood with his hands high above his head. Far away was the shout of
the coming crowd.
"Shoot and be damned!" said Haines sullenly.
For answer Dan jerked down the hands of the lone rider and commenced
to try the keys on the handcuffs. There were four keys. The fourth
turned the lock. Haines shouted as his hands fell free.
"After me!" cried Dan, and raced for the stable.
As they swung into their saddles outside the shed, the lynchers raced
their horses around the jail.
"Straightaway!" called Dan. "Through the cottonwoods and down the
lane. After me. Satan!"
The stallion leaped into a full gallop, heading straight for a tall
group of cottonwoods beyond which was a lane fenced in with barbed
wire.
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