For some little time the boys could not see the men, who were hidden by the rocks and brushwood. But presently they caught sight of Sid Todd. He was flourishing a stick at the steer. The animal paid no attention at first, but presently commenced to shake his head from side to side.
"Doesn't like it," was Roger's comment.
"He seems to be saying 'No' quite forcibly," added Dave.
"Now Todd is after him," cried the shipowner's son a minute later. "See, the steer is on the move at last."
"Yes, but he is going after Todd!" answered Roger.
Such was the fact, and presently man and beast disappeared behind some brushwood. Then, when they emerged again, it was seen that the cowboy had lassoed the animal by one of the forelegs. He was mounting the rocks, and the steer was limping behind, trying vainly to shake himself free. He did not seem to know enough to hold back altogether.
"Well, I think that rather dangerous!" declared Phil. "Supposing the steer should run for him?"
"I guess the cowboy knows what he is doing," answered Dave. "If he is pursued, he can easily scramble up on some of the steep rocks and get out of the way."
For fully ten minutes they watched the scene below them with interest. At one time the cowboy would appear to have the best of the situation, then it looked as if the steer would have his own way. But gradually man and beast worked up toward the top of the ravine.
"He'll worry the steer along, if he doesn't get too tired," said Dave. "But it must be a fearful strain on him."