He writhed farther out upon the limb of the leaning oak until he
was direct above the road. The big bay naturally kept to the
middle, for there was no obstruction in its path.

To have dropped to the highway would have put Hiram to instant
disadvantage; for before he could have recovered himself after
the drop the horse would have been upon him.

Now, swinging with both legs wrapped around the tough limb, and
his left hand gripping a smaller branch, but with his back to the
plunging brute, the youth glanced under his right armpit to judge
the distance and the on-rush of the horse and its helpless rider.

He knew she saw him. Swift as was the steed's approach, Hiram
had seen the change come into the expression of the girl's face.

"Clear your foot of the stirrup!" he shouted, hoping the girl
would understand.

With a confusing thunder of hoofbeats the bay came on--was
beneath him--had passed!

Hiram's right arm shot out, curved slightly, and as his fingers
gripped her sleeve, the girl let go. She was whisked out of the
saddle and the horse swept on without her.

The strain of the girl's slight weight upon his arm lasted but a
moment, for Hiram let go with his feet, swung down, and dropped.