"I'll go on with the contest, but
he mustn't do that to me again or there will be trouble."
Some of them laughed at the boy's veiled threat.
"There certainly will be trouble," agreed Mr. Jessup--"trouble with
me. I want you two to keep up the field further so we can see what is
going on. Are you hurt, boy?"
"Shaken up a little that's all. Guess my saddle was worse used than I
was."
The contestants lined up for another bout, amid the most intense
excitement. So closely had the spectators gathered about them that
the ropers had no room in which to work, and the foreman found it
necessary to urge them back before giving the word to start.
The Pony Rider Boys could scarcely contain themselves. They, too,
were worked up to a high pitch of excitement. But Tad Butler, dirty,
with clothes torn and grimy, appeared to be the coolest one in the
crowd. If he was angry no one would have imagined it from the
pleasant expression of his face and almost laughing eyes.
"All ready! Go!"
They went at each other again, the cowboy ferociously--Tad easily, but
keenly on the alert, narrowly watching every move of his opponent.
Round and round circled the pair, neither making an effort to cast for
at least ten minutes, ducking, side stepping, or as near to this
latter as a pony could get, and with movements much like those of
boxers in a ring.
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