His was the arm which could strike from the distance
and bring them down. They spurted down the hill.
No sooner were they in full motion than Joan, for the first time, seemed to
realize what it was all about. She was still carried by Lee Haines, who
cradled her easily in his powerful left arm, but now she began to struggle.
Then she stiffened and screamed: "Daddy Dan! Daddy Dan!"
"For God's sake, stop her mouth or he'll hear!" groaned Buck Daniels.
"He can't!" said Haines. "We're too far away even if he were at the cave
now."
"I tell you he'll hear! Don't talk to me about distance."
Kate reined her horse beside Lee.
"Joan!" she commanded.
They were sweeping across the meadow now at an easy gallop. Joan screamed
again, a wild plea for help.
"Joan!" repeated Kate, and her voice was fierce. She raised her quirt and
shook it. "Be quiet, Munner whip--hard!"
Another call died away on the lips of Joan. She looked at her mother with
astonishment and then with a new respect.
"If you cry once more, munner whip!"
And Joan was silent, staring with wonder and defiance.
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