The boys found all the cowboys friendly. One of them could do some marvelous stunts with a lasso, and, urged by the foreman, gave an exhibition which interested the lads exceedingly.
“Why, that fellow is as good as anybody on the vaudeville stage,” remarked Fred. “I never dreamed so much could be done with a rope. Just see how he whirled it around his body and between his legs and over his head!”
“Yes, and how he lassoed those three running horses all in a bunch,” added Fred. “That’s what got me.”
“He ought to be in a Wild West Show,” put in Jack.
“I’ll have the boys give you an exhibition of shooting this evening,” said the foreman, and he was as good as his word.
Some of the cowboys proved to be remarkable shots both with the rifle and the pistol. But here the boys, especially Fred and Jack, felt at home, and they, too, showed what they could do.
“Rattlesnakes and tarantulas!” exclaimed one of the cowboys, Hank Minno, the fellow who was supposed to be so bashful. “You kids sure kin shoot some. I s’pose you learned it at that there military school you’ve been goin’ to.”
“Yes,” answered Fred. “Although we sometimes do a little practicing when we’re at home. Down in the long cellar of our house.”
“Well, it’s a good thing to know how to shoot, lad. Sometimes it comes in mighty handy like,” answered Hank Minno.