Ordinarily he would grab a handful of mane and spring up onto the back, but the splints kept one leg immobilized. He tried a couple of times but could not achieve enough height. He led the horse close to the fence and attempted to climb far enough up the rails that he could slide over onto the back. That too, proved futile.

He saw but one alternative, and it was risky. He had to remove the splints. He hoped the bone had knitted enough to handle the strain. Leaning against the fence, he untied the wrapping Webb had put around his leg. The pine slats fell to the ground.

Gingerly he tested his weight. The leg felt as if someone had driven a spear though the bone. Cold sweat broke out on his face, and he found his palms were wet as well. He dried them on the long shirt and pulled the horse up close to him. Taking a deep breath, then gritting his teeth, he tried to spring up onto the bay’s back.

He did not make it. He felt himself sliding down but was unable to stop. He intended to let the good leg take the impact as he struck the ground, but the broken leg caught much of it. It collapsed, and he fell on his stomach. The sudden movement spooked the horse. It jerked away from him and ran halfway across the pen before stopping to look back, snorting in its excitement.

Badger Boy did not know if he had rebroken the bone. The pain was excruciating. He lay helpless, unable to push up from the ground far enough to gather his legs under him. He wanted to cry out in agony but would not allow himself the weakness.

A shadow fell across the moonlit pen. Looking up, he saw the outline of a man with a rifle or shotgun.

“No shoot! No shoot!” he called.

The voice was Shanty’s. “Andy, is that you layin’ there? What in the Lord’s good name you tryin’ to do?”

Shanty knelt at Badger Boy’s side. “You done taken all the wrappin’ off. Wouldn’t surprise me none if that leg is busted plumb in two again.”

That was Badger Boy’s fear, too.

Shanty stood up and cupped his hands around his mouth. “Mr. Rusty! Preacher! You-all needed out here by the barn.”

He started to help Badger Boy to his feet but thought better of it. “We better leave everything like it is ‘til the preacher man looks at you.” He shook his head, showing disapproval. “Tryin’ to skedaddle, wasn’t you? I figured some Indian was tryin’ to take Mr. Tanner’s horse. Guess I wasn’t all that far wrong.”

Badger Boy hurt too badly to try to decipher all Shanty said. He knew the gist of it.

Rusty, Webb, and Tanner all arrived at the same time. Webb picked up the fallen splints and leaned them against the fence, then carefully ran his hand up and down Badger Boy’s leg. Badger Boy winced. He tried not to make a sound, but an involuntary groan escaped him.