"We'll try it to-morrow--on the quiet," whispered Roger.
After the "busting" of the broncos had come to an end, there was a
two-mile race, for a first and a second prize, put up by the two ranch
owners. In this race nine of the cowboys started, amid a wild yelling
and the cracking of numerous pistols,--for the average cowboy is not
enjoying himself unless he can make a noise.
"They are off!" yelled Phil.
"Yes, and see them go!" added Dave.
"I'll bet our ranch wins!" came from Roger.
"What will you bet?" asked Belle, mischievously.
"A box of candy against a cream pie."
"That's fair,--but I can't bet against our ranch," answered Belle,
gayly.
On and on thundered the horses across the plains, to a spot a mile
distant. At first three of the cowboys from the other ranch were in the
lead, and their followers cheered them loudly.
"Oh, we are going to lose!" said Belle, with a pout, as the leaders in
the race started on the return.
"No! no!" answered Dave. "See, Sid Todd is coming to the front."
"Yes, and Yates is crawling up, too," added Phil.
Nearer and nearer to the finish line swept the cowboys, those in the
rear doing their best to forge ahead. Now Sid Todd, Yates, and two
cowboys from the Hooper ranch were neck-and-neck.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202