"See that bunch over there—where the big, red-headed man is standing? They've got an outlaw," Mrs. Jackson explained—"a horse no one can ride, you know. That particular beast is a corker. He's killed two men already."
Mrs. MacFarlane shuddered.
"Then why do they use such a horse?"
"Oh, but they have to. Unless the horse is a real snorter, it makes the competition too easy. Donny, the man looking on—Corporal Donaldson, y'know, the Superintendent's teamster—can handle him, don't worry. He's one of the best rough-riders in the Force."
Amid roars from the spectators, Donaldson flashed past the marquee, the horse bucking furiously. Mrs. MacFarlane caught a glimpse of its devilish eyes and of the face of Donaldson. She caught Mrs. Jackson's substantial arm with a pretty terror.
"Oh, he'll be killed! He'll be killed!" she gasped. "And—he's actually smiling!"
"Why, that's nothing to Donny," Mrs. Jackson soothed. "He's enjoying it. I've seen him stick till the blood ran out of his mouth and ears and the brute had jolted him insensible. No one can touch him unless it's Dandy Jack. He's a wonder. There he is! In the roping contest—last on the right!"
"Is that Dandy Jack?" queried Mrs. MacFarlane incredulously, singling out a young puncher in brilliant regalia, who looked as if he had just stepped from a cocoon and possessed the face of Sir Galahad. "But—but he's only a child! And just beautiful, Mrs. Jackson. Who is he? Do tell me!"
"He's an American, aged sixteen, no one knows where from—originally. Landed in at my husband's ranch one day, dressed just as you see him now, a regular dream, and asked for work. Jim thought he was some romantic kid tenderfoot. 'You ride?' he says. 'Listen,' said Dandy Jack, 'if I show you, will you take me on?' 'Sure,' said Jim. So young Jack climbs up on the cross-bar over the corral gate. 'Drive your worst horse under here—no, never mind saddle or bridle. I don't want 'em.' As the horse ran under, didn't Jack drop onto his back and ride him out? So my husband naturally took him on. And he's been in this country ever since."
"But how wonderful!" sighed Mrs. MacFarlane, gazing adoringly on the young puncher. "Do tell me more!"