Jessup. I see him over there now."
Mr. Jessup when questioned informed the boy that it was to be a most
realistic contest in which two men mounted were to try to rope each
other. One of the rules of the contest was that the roper, when he
caught his opponent, was to drop the lariat instantly so as not to
pull his victim from the saddle.
As only two could meet for the prize it was decided that lots should
be drawn from a hat. The two who drew slips of paper with the word
"rope" written on them, were to have the honor of meeting in a test of
skill.
The prize was a Mexican saddle, silver mounted, at which all the
cowmen looked with covetous eyes.
"Think you want to take a chance for the saddle, boy?" asked Mr.
Jessup.
"That I do," laughed Tad. "That's the saddle I want--I always have
wanted one just like it. But I'm afraid I shall not get the
opportunity to try for it."
"They are getting ready to draw. You had better go over," advised the
rancher.
Tad found that they were not only getting ready, but that most of the
men had already drawn. Only one "rope" slip had been taken from the
hat, however, so there still was a chance.
He rode up to the foreman, who was holding the hat from which the
drawing was being done.
"May I draw?" he asked.
"Do you know how to sling a rope, kid?"
"A little," answered Tad, with an embarrassed smile, for the cowmen
were making uncomplimentary remarks about letting babies into a man's
game.
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