A prick of the spur sent their horses forward on the leap.
Ted was coiling his rope in his hand ready for a cast, and Stella and Bud followed his example.
"When we get close enough to throw, scatter out, and be ready to let your rope go if either of us misses. All ready now!"
Ted dashed forward, swinging his rope around his head, and when he was close enough he made a beautiful cast and the rope went through the air as true as a bullet, hovering in a sinuous loop above White Fang. But just as it was about to settle the wily old rascal dodged to one side, and the rope fell into the sand.
"He's a cute chap," shouted Ted, bringing in his rope without slackening his speed, while Bud's rope flew through the air and missed the wolf by about a foot.
Stella was in a bad position to throw, and withheld her rope.
Again they closed in upon the wolf, who had begun to grow more wary and had hit up his speed, dodging and turning on his trail, making some swift turns and nimble feats of horsemanship necessary to keep within roping distance of him.
In this manner a dozen or more unsuccessful casts were made.
At last Ted got tired of the hide-and-seek game, and determined to end it.
"I'm going to get him this time," he shouted, gathering his rope firmly. "Back me up!"