The boys, observing Ted's actions, knew what he was about to do, and
ceased moving the cattle and sat on their horses to watch for the
outcome of the contest.
Most of them felt like spectators at a performance of a specially
hazardous feat, and held their breath. But each was on the alert to rush
to Ted's assistance the moment he seemed to need it.
As the bull looked up, and saw Ted approaching him, he ceased pawing,
and stood with watchful eyes. Occasionally he sent forth a challenging
bellow. His tail was switching from side to side, like that of an angry
cat.
Ted was coming alertly. No one knew the danger of openly attacking the
bull better than himself, and yet it must be done.
It was rule or kill, so far as the bull was concerned, for if the boys
could not manage him they would be compelled to kill him so that they
might be able to handle the herd, substituting a more amiable bull in
his place.
A cowman cannot always tell what a bull is going to do when it is faced
on the range. It may dodge the issue or it may attack, and Ted was wary
enough to be on the watch for the latter contingency.
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