After dinner the games began. Cowboys of the ranch and others from small neighboring ranches gave exhibitions of quick roping and throwing and of broncho busting. Curtis Conrad and Emerson Mead had a riding and shooting match. José Gonzalez, dressed in Mexican holiday attire of straw sombrero, braided jacket, and close-fitting trousers, showed his skill as an expert lasso thrower. He made a picturesque figure as he stood in the roadway, striking graceful attitudes and making his rope leap, run, circle, and swirl about him as if it were alive. The visitors crowded to the edge of the grove, watching and admiring. "He's a sure peach at the fancy racket," said Dan Tillinghurst, "but I reckon Emerson Mead can flirt gravel faster than he can when it comes to the real practical business. Say, Emerson," he called, "can't you give us an imitation of the way you slipped out of Antone Colorow's rope and broke his wrists before he had time to draw his noose? I reckon that was a show sure worth seeing." Those who knew the story added their voices, "Yes, Mead; show us how you did it!" Others who had never heard of the incident wanted to know about it; and soon everybody was talking about how a cowboy once tried to rope Emerson Mead. Mrs. Turner Castleton was standing beside Curtis. "Really, Mr. Conrad," she said, "is it true that they ever rope men? And why do the men allow it?" "Sometimes, Mrs. Castleton, when the men who are roped can't help it." With a sudden smile he threw back his head and his eyes flashed. "We'll show you the game," he went on; "José shall try to rope me, and I'll see if I can keep out of his way. Come, José, get your horse, and bring mine, and then do your best." The Mexican stooped to coil his rope. As he rose his glance darted across the faces of the crowd under the trees until it met the eyes of Alexander Bancroft, standing beside Dellmey Baxter, at the end of the long group. Baxter saw the two pairs of eyes meet and hold each other for an instant, and his curiosity was aroused. But he seemed to notice nothing, and saying, "Come, Aleck, let's go and see what they're up to now," he led the way to the upper end of the grove.