The lasso hardly needs any description. 98
'Can you throw that thing well?' said Dugald, his eyes sparkling with delight.
'I think I can,' replied Moncrieff. 'Come to the door and see me lasso a dog or something.'
Out we all went.
'Oh!' cried Dugald, exultingly, 'here comes little Captain Bombazo, walking on the other side of the street with my aunt. Can you lasso him without hurting auntie?'
'I believe I can,' said Moncrieff. 'Stand by, and let's have a good try. Whatever a man dares he can do. Hoop là!'
The cord left the Scotchman's hand like a flash of lightning, and next moment Bombazo, who at the time was smiling and talking most volubly, was fairly noosed.
The boys in the street got up a cheer. Bombazo jumped and struggled, but Moncrieff stood his ground.
'He must come,' he said, and sure enough, greatly to the delight of the town urchins, Moncrieff rounded in the slack of the rope and landed the captain most beautifully.
'Ah! you beeg Scot,' said Bombazo, laughing good-humouredly. 'I would not care so mooch, if it were not for de lady.'