Page 23 (1/1)

India whispered in the ear of Moya "He's as broadminded as a crab, just about"

The reference was of course to Verinder "I think we ought to be fair, even to a crab, dear," Miss Dwight answered dryly

The battle between the outlaw broncho and its rider was over The confidence of Teddy Roosevelt as well as its strength had been shaken The bucks of the pony were easy to foresee Presently they ceased The horse stood with drooping head, foa fro from the saddle, and at the same time Colter stepped into the arena He drew Jack aside and whispered in his ear India, watching the rough-rider through field glasses, saw the face of the young rih the crowd that gathered to congratulate hirounds with Colter

The other two riders who had reached the finals were both experts in the saddle One of the with a Wild West show and was too soft to hold his own against the bit of incarnate deviltry he was astride To save himself he had to clutch at the horn of the saddle

"He's pulling leather," shouted one of the judges, and the ood showing, but his horse lacked the energy and spirit of Teddy Roosevelt The unanies was in favor of Kilht for him to award the prize the new chaenuine disappointment that the man's courtesy had failed She and her friends had applauded his exploits liberally The least he could have done would have been to have nored theain

The early shadows of sunset were stretching down the rough e reached the river cañon on their homeay Soon after this the champion rider and his friend Colter passed theulch The leathery face of the latter took thenition, but the younger ratulations with a quiet "Glad you enjoyed it," but it was plain that he was in a hurry In his eyes there was a certain hard wariness that seemed hardly to fit the occasion Moya could not avoid the i As soon as he well could he put spurs to his horse and cantered after his companion