The powerful brute was bent on Ted's destruction, and seemed about to
accomplish it, when Stella galloped to his side, and, grasping his hand,
held him safe.
"The cinch is off," she called to him. "I'll help you up, then kick the
saddle loose."
Slowly but surely Ted worked himself up until he could release his foot
from the stirrup. Then, with a sudden wrench that almost pulled Stella
to the ground, he was again on top. With a kick he sent the saddle to
the ground, and was riding bareback, while the brute stumbled and
almost went to his knees as the saddle fell between his legs.
But now Ted took charge of the situation. With quirt and spur he drove
the beast here and there, punishing it, giving it no rest, allowing it
to do nothing in its own way until it staggered and heaved and swayed
with fatigue and lack of breath, and yet he urged it.
"He'll kill that horse yet," said Billy Sudden.
"No, he knows what that horse will stand, and he's going to make him
stand it," said Bud.
The people had never seen such riding as this, and when they realized
that Ted had conquered the stallion and was now rubbing it in, they
shouted until their throats cracked.
Pages:
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160