Teddy, himself, realized the post of danger that he held. Behind him came some three thousand cattle--some horned and all hoofed with bone as sharp as steel. He, alone, was to guide that thunderous herd into the corral, between the wing-like gates. Half an hour more he had--then the test would come. The boy leaned low in his saddle and patted his pony’s side. “It’s up to us, Flash,” he said softly. “But I’m glad dad gave me the job. It’ll show what I’m good for, at least. If I fail--I sha’n’t be here to know it.” He rode onward, never increasing his pace. All thought of Jamisson, of the Lefton brothers, of the fear of rustlers, had left his mind. He concentrated on one thing--getting these cattle into the corral. There were no more herds to be gathered in. Before him lay open country. Every animal on the range, except, of course, that one bunch of six hundred which had been purposely avoided, was in that crowd of plodding beasts behind him. If a break came now it would mean disaster. He heard a grunt of impatience from the leading cows and turned quickly. He saw heads being lowered and raised nervously. His eyes swept over a tossing sea of horns. Ten minutes more before the rush would come. Would they hold? Flash seemed to sense the tensity of his rider, and whinnied softly. “Steady, boy,” Teddy murmured. “Not yet. Save all you’ve got. We’ll need it later.” A mile or so in front of him loomed the corral. Was it time yet? Could Flash carry him to safety if he started now? He glanced back again. The cattle were closer to him, and he had not lagged. That meant that they were moving faster. Their grunts and lowings became more pronounced. A small section on the left broke into a run, goaded into activity by the long, slow march. Those in the center, directly behind Teddy, swerved to the right. “Here it comes!” thought the boy, breathing jerkily. “Steady, Flash! Just a little faster--jus-s-s-st a little.” The pony went into the trot. The cattle saw him pulling away from them, and unconsciously increased their speed. The circle of riders in the rear moved forward. Now the corral was but three-quarters of a mile away. Faster and faster came the cattle. At the instant, Teddy gave Flash his head. The horse leaped ahead. There was a sound of thunder, and the earth shook as the herd followed madly after the lone rider. A cloud of dust arose, blotting out the sun. Through the haze the corral showed faintly. “All you’ve got, baby!” Teddy panted. “Take ’em in!” The pony flashed over the ground like a brown streak. Close on his heels came the cattle, running with all their power, pressed on by those behind. The horse was doing his best, and still he increased the distance between him and the onrushing horns not a trifle. A steer on the rampage shows tremendous speed.