"Head him off," he commanded curtly. "This ruin of Pablo's is done in a
quarter-mile dash, but Panchito can outrun that cat without trying.
Don't be afraid of him. They're cowardly brutes. Get between him and
the oaks and turn him back to me. Ride him down! He'll dodge out of
your way."
She saw that he was uncoiling his riata as he spoke, and divined his
purpose, as, with a cluck and a boot to Panchito, she thundered after the
big cat, her heart thumping with mingled fear and excitement. Evidently
this was an old game to Panchito, however, for he pinned his ears a
little and headed straight for the quarry. Seemingly he knew what was
expected of him, and had a personal interest in the affair, for as he
came up to the animal, he attempted to run the panther down. The animal
merely snarled and gave ground, while gradually Panchito "hazed" him
until the frightened creature was headed at right angles to the course he
had originally pursued. And now Don Mike, urging the pinto to top speed,
came racing up and cut him off.
"Catch him; catch him!" Kay screamed excitedly. "Don't let him get
away!" She drove Panchito almost on top of the panther, and forced the
beast to stop suddenly and dodge toward the approaching Farrel. As
Panchito dashed by, Kay had a glimpse of Don Mike riding in, his looped
riata swinging in wide, slow concentric circles--casually, even.
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