“You didn’t ride long enough.”
“No time was stipulated. I will leave it to the men here if I did not ride long enough to prove that I could ride the animal.”
“Yes! yes! yes!” was the shout that went up.
“And I shall pay the money to Mr. Hodge,” said Bill Rodney. “He won it all right, or Mr. Merriwell won it fer him.”
He gave the money to Bart, and the cowboys cheered.
With an angry exclamation, Indian Charlie turned and walked away.
CHAPTER XXXII—INSOLENCE OF BILLY CORNMEAL
Frank was the hero of Rodney’s ranch. He had caused two great sensations, one by his encounter with Indian Charlie, and the other by his skill in riding the broncho.
Sadie Rodney congratulated him, offering him her hand.
Inza fancied Sadie held to Frank’s hand in a manner that was extremely significant, and she did not like it at all.