I rose, but fell again before I could reach the reins which hung over my steed's neck.  Already I could almost see the eyes of the infuriated beasts; but I was not going to give up my life if I could help it.  I therefore made another desperate effort, and reaching the rein, patted the animal's nose, turning his eyes away from the approaching foe; then in an instant--I scarcely know how I did it--I was on his back.