Part 10 (1/2)

”We're in as good shape as we can be, until it comes to a showdown and a fight,” remarked Billee, when the noon-day meal was served, after they had gone carefully over the defense. ”Did you get your dad?” he asked Bud.

”Yes, I had him on the wire,” answered the son of the owner of Diamond X. ”Nothing new has developed back home, and I told him about this fellow. He thinks, as we do, that he was a spy.”

”And, the more I think of it, the more I think I have seen that fellow before,” remarked Nort, with a puzzled air.

”Seen him before--what do you mean?” asked d.i.c.k.

”Well, his face seemed familiar at first, and then when he lit his cigaret and threw it away, he reminded me of some one.”

”Some one in the movies, maybe,” said Bud.

”Well, that's what I thought at first,” admitted Nort, ”though the more I think of it the more I'm certain that I've seen him out here--some time ago. I wish I could recall it.”

”I can't place him,” said d.i.c.k. ”Stop thinking of it, Nort. It may come to you all of a sudden.”

”It may not amount to anything, anyhow,” Nort admitted. ”But I have a feeling that I had a run in with that man before.”

There was little to do at Spur Creek except await developments, and this waiting was really harder work than actual fighting would have been. It was also more nervous, keeping them all on a strain.

The approach of the enemy and by ”enemy” I mean sheep men who might try to pasture their flocks on Mr. Merkel's land, or men who might try to take possession of it--these enemies would appear on the southern side of Spur Creek first, as it was well known there were the largest sheep ranches--just across the Mexican border. And pretty well cropped off were the vast fields, too. That is why there was such an eagerness to get into new and fertile ranges.

In consequence of this, watch was kept on that side of the stream where the lone horseman had appeared. To the north, east and west little danger was apprehended.

On the second day after the parley with this ”spy,” as he was dubbed, a moving cloud of dust was observed approaching from the north.

You may be sure it did not go long unnoticed, and d.i.c.k raised a cry as soon as he saw the indication of someone, or something, coming.

”Get out your guns!” he shouted.

”Maybe it's somebody from Diamond X,” spoke Nort.

And a little later it could be seen that the dust was caused by three steers rus.h.i.+ng over the dry prairie.

”Must have been a stampede up at your place, Bud,” remarked Snake Purdee, as he and the other cowboys rode out in answer to d.i.c.k's alarm.

”These got away from the main herd. We'll round 'em up.”

With their usual loud cries the cowboys rode toward the fleeing cattle, which seemed maddened by some fear, for they never slackened pace. But by skillful rope-throwing two were downed and secured. The third, and fleeter of the trio furnished a bit of amus.e.m.e.nt for the holders of the fort.

”I'll bulldog him!” shouted Snake Purdee. ”Lay off, Kid!” he called to the yeller, for now that his leg was mending Yellin' Kid began to take an active part in all that went on.

”Bulld.o.g.g.i.ng” is a term used in the West to indicate sort of wrestling match with a steer, and the completion of the act sees the animal thrown p.r.o.ne to the ground by the strength and skill of the cowboy.

Urging his pony to a fast pace, Snake rode up alongside the rus.h.i.+ng steer and then, when near enough, the cowboy leaped from his horse and raced on foot alongside the steer. Snake reached out and shot his right arm around the animal's neck, reaching over and under until he could grasp the loose, bottom skin. While he was doing this he had to keep pace with the steer, and at times Snake was lifted clear from the ground, while, now and again, he had to throw his legs out to keep them clear of the knees of the now maddened beast.

But Snake had performed this feat before, and was one of the most expert at the _rodeo_ games whenever they were held.

His right arm now over the steer's neck, and with his right hand firmly grasping the loose lower, neck-skin, Snake reached out his left hand and caught hold of the tip of the animal's left horn. This was the position he had been working to secure, and the instant he had it, Snake lunged his body downward against his own left elbow, which brought almost his entire weight, at a powerful leverage, against the brute's horn. At the same time Snake was pulling with his right hand and the effect of this was to twist the steer's neck so that the animal lost its balance.