When he thought he had enough rope, Ted bent his head once more, and his fingers grasped the knife with which he cut the rope and was free.
Suddenly a shrill whistle left his lips, and there was a nickering answer as Sultan left the other horses and came galloping to his side.
Stella threw up her hat and shouted, and the soldiers followed her example.
As Sultan galloped on, Ted leaped into the saddle, and began to make a noose in his lariat, for he now was equally armed with his enemy.
But Woofer was game, and came galloping back. He didn't know how good a roper Ted was, but he felt confidence in himself.
Around they went, circling like horsemen in a circus ring, with watchful eyes and whirling lariats.
But suddenly Ted's rope left his hand before Woofer could divine his meaning, and pinioned the cow-puncher.
At the same moment Ted gave Sultan a prick with the spur, and the little stallion leaped into the air.
Woofer left his saddle and struck the ground with a bump that knocked the wind out of him.
This was not to the liking of the soldiers, who ran howling toward Ted.