He moved slowly lest the crutches make a noise and awaken someone. He moved out of the room and onto the dog run, stopping often to listen. He could still hear Tanner’s snoring. Shanty had been sleeping in the dog run, and Badger Boy circled around him carefully. He reached the barn, wondering which horse had been kept penned for the night. It was Rusty’s habit to keep one up so he would not be afoot the first thing in the morning. Badger Boy hoped it would be Alamo.

He was disappointed. He found Tanner’s long-legged bay instead. Well, the bay would have to do. At least those legs ought to carry him a good distance in a hurry. The main problem would be getting on him, for his back was a long way from the ground.

Badger Boy did not bother with a saddle. He was used to riding bareback, tucking his knees under a rope tied loosely around the horse’s chest. He had a little trouble with the bridle, for he was not accustomed to dealing with the steel bits. Their sound, grating against the horse’s teeth, was disconcerting.

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.