This would never do, as it would defeat the whole object of my trip West, and send me home to be laughed at by Mr. Aaron Woodward and Duncan.
"Can I ask for an examination at once?" I inquired.
"Maybe; if the judge is there."
"And if he isn't?"
"You'll have to wait till to-morrow morning. You see it isn't—Hello! thunder and lightning! what's that?"
As the officer uttered the exclamation there was a wild cry on the streets, and the next instant the crowds of people scattered in every direction.
And no wonder, for down the pavement came an infuriated bull, charging everybody and everything before him.
The animal had evidently broken away from a herd that was being driven to the stock-yards, and his nose, where the ring was fastened, was torn and covered with blood, and he breathed hard, as if he had run a great distance.
"It's a mad bull!" I cried. "Take care, or he'll horn both of us!"
My words of caution were unnecessary, for no sooner had the bull turned in our direction than the officer let go his hold upon me and fled into a doorway near at hand.