Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story. How does the author create surprise in "The Horseman in the Sky"?

He shows the horse bolting off the cliff before the watchman can complete his shot.
He creates a situation where family members question each other's motives.

He withholds the fact that the falling horseman is the father of the shooter.
He reveals details about the watchman's family since he joined the army.