At that instant the attention of the boys was attracted by a loud shouting behind them. They turned, to see a crowd of men and boys running after a big brown animal.
"One of the cows has got loose," said Nat.
"Cows?" exclaimed John. "It's one of the wild steers, and it looks like a dangerous one. Better duck for cover."
With a bellow the steer, which had broken from one of the pens, made straight for the boys. In close chase came the crowd.
Suddenly the pursuing party throng parted, and, with a yell, a horseman, waving a lasso above his head, galloped after the beast. He was close to him when the steer, which was near the small office where Mr. Post and his friend were, turned sharply and darted off to the right. The horse man, at that instant had made a throw, but the rope went wild, and, a second later, trying to turn his horse quickly the steed stumbled and fell.
The steer, with a mad bellow, turned around and started back for the crowd, that had halted. With lowered head, armed with long, sweeping, sharp horns, the angry animal leaped forward.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE OLD STOCKMAN
"Someone will get hurt!" cried Jack.
"Here, hold my coat and hat!" exclaimed John, as he thrust those articles of wearing apparel into Nat's hands.