As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired if we had chanced to see a “gang” of wild mustangs during the day; saying that he was known as Antonio, the “mustanger” of the Leona, and that his occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs.

We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks he had been following.

The boys were eager to learn the modus operandi of catching wild mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it was done.

Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the “mustanger,” rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a small “gang” quietly feeding some three or four miles away.

As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the “gang,” which was too wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by “creasing.”

“How do you do that?” inquired Ned.

“With my rifle,” answered Antonio.

“What! shoot one of those horses?” exclaimed Hal.

“If you’ll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you’ll better understand it,” said Antonio.  “Now you watch me; and, when you meet a ‘gang’ of mustangs again, you’ll know just what to do.”

It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away.  Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder.

“Oh! don’t shoot, please,” cried Hal.

Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of the herd dropped to the ground.  The next instant he was by the mustang’s side, securing him with ropes.

In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and lay perfectly still.  Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the most determined efforts, to escape.

They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently caress him.  He was a noble old fellow,—­a snow-white stallion with brown mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed.

As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to ascertain the philosophy of “creasing” as the boys themselves; nor was it until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it.