That settled it with Sophy, and she rode in, and another girl took her
place. She, too, was unsuccessful, as was the third, and the audience
was distinctly disappointed.
"Ladies and gentlemen," cried Ted, through the megaphone. "It was not
the intention of any one living on the Moon Valley Ranch to take part in
these contests, but if there are no other young ladies in the grand
stand who would like to try their ropes on the steer, we can produce one
whom we think can rope and tie it at the first trial. I refer to Miss
Stella Fosdick. I have not consulted her wishes in the matter, but will
ask her if she will undertake it."
At this a wild cheer went up, and Ted dashed out of the arena to find
Stella. In a moment he was back, and announced that Miss Fosdick would
try it.
Presently Stella rode in on Custer at a hard gallop, gathering up her
rope as she rode. There was a sort of gay self-confidence in her manner
that captivated the throng, and the cheers split the air.
Stella rode straight at the steer, which, seeing her approach; galloped
down the arena with her in pursuit.
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