"Yes, he is a good all-around fellow," answered the ranch owner. "I am mighty glad I have him,--and I am glad I got rid of that Hank Snogger," he added. "Are any of the men from the Merwell ranch here?" "No, I warned them to keep away--after that trouble we had at your entertainment,--and Mr. Hooper, the owner of the other ranch,--told them to keep away, too. Some of those fellows drink, and if they got to quarreling there might be some shooting, and then there would be no telling where the thing would end. I made up my mind I'd take no chances." The "bronco-busting," as it is called, was reserved for after lunch. Several wild-looking ponies were tethered at a distance, and it was the task of those who proposed to do the "busting" to take a saddle, fasten it on a pony, and then get up and ride around the field at least twice. The ponies were unbroken, and of the sort usually designated as vicious and unreliable. It was truly a thrilling exhibition and one the boys, and the girls, too, for the matter of that, never forgot. As soon as a bronco was approached he would begin to plunge and kick, and to get a saddle on him was all but impossible. Then, if at last he was saddled, and the cowboy who had been successful got in the seat, the pony would leap and plunge some more, sometimes going straight up into the air and coming down with legs as stiff as posts. Then, if this did not throw the cowboy off, the pony would start to run, only to stop short suddenly, in the hope of sending the rider over his head. "Oh, somebody will be killed!" screamed Jessie, and often turned her face away to shut out the sight. "Oh, why do they do such dreadful things?" she added. "They've got to break the ponies somehow," answered Dave. "Those broncos will be all right after they get used to it." "Say, do you know, I'd like to try that," remarked Roger. "I think I could sit on one of those ponies, if he had the saddle on." "I think I could do it, too," added Dave. "Oh, Dave!" exclaimed his sister, while Jessie gave a little shriek of horror. "It's not as bad as it looks--after the pony is saddled," answered Dave. "We'll try it to-morrow--on the quiet," whispered Roger. After the "busting" of the broncos had come to an end, there was a two-mile race, for a first and a second prize, put up by the two ranch owners. In this race nine of the cowboys started, amid a wild yelling and the cracking of numerous pistols,--for the average cowboy is not enjoying himself unless he can make a noise. "They are off!" yelled Phil. "Yes, and see them go!" added Dave. "I'll bet our ranch wins!" came from Roger. "What will you bet?" asked Belle, mischievously. "A box of candy against a cream pie." "That's fair,--but I can't bet against our ranch," answered Belle, gayly. On and on thundered the horses across the plains, to a spot a mile distant. At first three of the cowboys from the other ranch were in the lead, and their followers cheered them loudly.