"Get your spurs in! Shove him forward for your life," he said.
There was a momentary struggle on the slippery planking, and, almost as
its hind hoofs overhung the edge, Winston dragged the horse away.
Courthorne swung himself out of the saddle, left the farmer the bridle,
and glanced behind him at the gap. Then he turned, and the two men
looked at each other steadily. Their faces were a trifle paler than
usual.
"You saw it?" asked Courthorne.
"Yes, but not until you backed the beast and he commenced plunging."
"He plunged once or twice before you caught the bridle."
"Yes," said Winston quietly.
Courthorne laughed. "You are a curious man. It would have cleared the
ground for you."
"No," said Winston dryly. "I don't know that you will understand me,
but I scarcely think it would. It may have been a mistake of mine to
do what I did, but I have a good deal on my shoulders already."
Courthorne made no answer as he led his horse across, the bridge. Then
he mounted, and looked down on the farmer who stood beside him.
"I remember some things, though I don't always let them influence me to
my detriment," he said. "I'm going back to the railroad, and then
West, and don't quite know when you will have the pleasure of seeing me
again."
Winston watched him quietly. "It would be wiser if you did not come
back until I send for you."
CHAPTER XX
COURTHORNE BLUNDERS
Vance Courthorne had lightly taken a good many risks in his time, for
he usually found a spice of danger stimulating, and there was in him an
irresponsible daring that not infrequently served him better than a
well-laid plan.
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