"The beast chased me five or six miles," he said. "If he'd caught me I shouldn't be here to tell you about him."
This news put Bellshaw in a better humour. The idea of maiming Glen Leigh was just to his mind. He ordered Wimpole to yard the horse no matter at what danger, or risk, and to take him to Bourke and from there to Sydney.
Next day Wimpole, taking the bulk of the hands with him, managed, after much trouble, to yard the horse, among others, lasso him, and throw him down, keeping him bound until he was exhausted with his struggles. On the way to Mintaro the horse savaged two men, lamed three horses, and had a tussle with Wimpole which almost caused the overseer to wish he'd not told Bellshaw anything about him.
When the owner of Mintaro saw the great powerful, unbroken, fiery stallion, and heard of the damage he had already done, he was satisfied. He had no doubt he would win the wager, and that Glen Leigh would probably be seriously injured.
"It's worth a hundred to take him to Bourke," said Wimpole.
"You shall have it when he's trained," returned Bellshaw. "You must go in the same train with me."
"I'd best take a couple more hands with me," said Wimpole. "He's more than a match for me."
To this Bellshaw assented. All he thought about was injuring Leigh.
It was an awful experience taking the horse to Bourke, but after a lot of cruel treatment, which cowed him for a time, they succeeded. He was put in an ordinary cattle truck and securely lashed back and front; a band was also thrown round him and fastened to each side. Twice he broke the stout ropes, but finally he was tied securely.
Bellshaw watched the operation with evident pleasure. He was thinking what was in store for Glen Leigh. It made him smile grimly.
The station master asked Bellshaw what he was going to do with the horse if he got him safely to his destination.
Bellshaw explained about the wager, and who was to ride the horse.
The station master made an ordinary remark, but when the train started he muttered, as he looked after it, "Leigh'll be killed if he attempts to ride that brute."
There was some earnest conversation between Bellshaw and his overseer on the way to Sydney.
"You'll do it," said Bellshaw. "Promise me you'll do it, and I'll give you fifty pounds down."