midday
As he did so , of his own volition he checked himself . Dead ahead he saw horses scattered about , and beyond the horses , rising limply in the noon haze , a thin column of smoke . Also , he felt both his riders stiffen . Then on the midday hush rose the crack of firearms from the direction of the camp . His master lifted a shrill voice . He felt a mighty pull at his head . He swung around like a flash .