The wind was knocked from his body, so that for five seconds, perhaps,
he was utterly confused. Before he could gather himself, or even
comprehend what had happened, a heavy weight flung itself upon him. The
beginnings of his feeble struggles were unceremoniously subdued. When,
in another ten seconds, his vision had cleared, he found himself bound
hand and foot. Saleratus Bill stood over him, slowly recoiling the
_riata,_ or throwing rope, with which he had so dexterously caught Bob
from behind. After contemplating his victim for a moment, Saleratus Bill
mounted his own animal, and disappeared.
Bob, his head humming from the violence of its impact with the ground,
listened until the hoof beats had ceased to jar the earth. Then with a
methodical desperation he began to wrench and work at his bonds. All his
efforts were useless; Saleratus Bill understood "hog-tying" too well.
When, finally, he had convinced himself that he could not get away, Bob
gave over his efforts. The forest was very still and warm. After a time
the sun fell upon him, and he began to feel its heat uncomfortably. The
affair was inexplicable.
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