"Oh, go back to yer mammy," jeered one.
"I want to know who threw that rope? If he isn't too big a coward, he'll tell me. I guess Mr. Simms will settle with him."
"It's up to you, Bob, I guess," nodded one of them, addressing the angry-faced mountain boy who was one of their number.
The latter rose with what was intended to appear as offended dignity.
"Ye mean me?" he demanded, glaring.
"Yes, if you are the one who did it," answered Tad, looking him squarely in the eyes.
"Then your going to git the alfiredest lickin' you ever had in your life," announced the mountain boy.
Tad held the other with a gaze so steady and unflinching as to cause the mountain boy to pause hesitatingly.
"Phil, jump on your pony and get out of here," directed the lad in a low tone.
"He stays where he is," commanded one of the cowboys.