At every leap the cow pony lessened the
gap as it pounded forward on the heels of the flying steer.
The loop swept forward and dropped over the horns of the animal.
The pony, with the perfect craft of long practice, swerved to one
side with a rush. The dragging rope swung up against the running
steer's legs, grew suddenly taut. Down went the steer's head, and
next moment its feet were swept from under it as it went heavily
to the ground. Man and horse were perfect in their team work. As
the supple rider slid from the back of the pony it ran to the end
of the rope and braced itself to keep the animal from rising.
Bannister leaped on the steer, tie-rope in hand. Swiftly his deft
hands passed to and fro, making the necessary loops and knots.
Then his hands went into the air. The steer was hog-tied.
For a few seconds the judges consulted together. "Twenty-nine
seconds," announced their spokesman, and at the words a great
cheer went up. Bannister had made his tie in record time.
Impudently the scoundrel sauntered up to the grand stand, bowed
elaborately to Miss Messiter, and perched himself on the fence,
where he might be the observed of all observers. It was curious,
she thought, how his vanity walked hand in hand with so much
power and force.
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