Tad's face was flushed with pride. Yet he did not allow himself for an instant to forget his work. The lad's whole attention was centered on the pony under him. He was determined to make a grand finish that, while exhibiting his horsemanship, would at the same time give the pony a lesson not soon to be forgotten. "You've got him!" cried Ned Rector as Tad approached, now at a gallop, the animal's ears lying back angrily. "Don't be too sure," answered Big-foot. "See them ears? That means more trouble." It came almost before the words were out of the cowpuncher's mouth. The broncho stiffened, its hoofs ploughing little trails in the soft dirt of the plain as it skidded to a stop. The jolt might have unhorsed Tad Butler had he not been expecting it from some indications that he read in the animal's actions. Suddenly settling back on its haunches, the broncho rolled over on its side. Tad, with a grin, stepped off a few paces, taking with him, however, the coil of rope, one end of which was still fastened around the beast's neck. With a snort and a bound, realizing that it was free at last, the little animal leaped to its feet and darted away. Tad moved swiftly to the right, so as not to get a tug on the rope over the back of the pony. The coil was running out over his hands like a thing of life. Grasping the end firmly, the lad shook out the rest of the rope, leaning back until it was almost taut. By this time the animal was running almost at right angles to him. Tad gave the rope a quick rolling motion just as it was being drawn taut. The result was as surprising as it was sudden. The animal's four feet were snipped from under it neatly, sending the broncho to earth with a disheartening bump. [Illustration: Tad Gave the Rope a Quick, Rolling Motion.] Without giving it a chance to rise, Tad sprang upon it, and, when the pony rose, Tad Butler was sitting proudly in the saddle. The little beast's head went down. Its proud spirit had been broken by a boy who knew the ways of the stubborn animal. A great shout of approval went up from cowpunchers and Pony Riders. They had never seen a breaking done more skillfully. Tad's gloved hand patted the neck of the subdued animal affectionately. "I'm sorry I had to be rough with you, old boy, but you shall have a lump of sugar. We're going to be great friends, now, I know." CHAPTER XX DINNER AT THE OX BOW "Welcome to the Ox Bow, young gentlemen," greeted Colonel McClure. The rancher and his wife were waiting at the lower end of the lawn as the Pony Rider Boys, accompanied by Professor Zepplin, rode up on the following afternoon. The lads wore their regulation plainsman's clothes, but for this occasion coats had been put on and hair combed, each desiring to look his best, as they were to meet the young ladies of the ranch. "We owe you an apology, sir, for appearing in this condition," announced the Professor.