“Go,” shouted Dick, and down the track they flew. The little mare, without a touch from her rider, held her lead until they were almost to the finish, then leaping in response to a sharp cut from Fred’s quirt, she spurted ahead and came across the line an easy winner. The Bar B boys threw their hats in the air and yelled like Comanches.
When the riders had slowed down and turned back, Nixon broke out with his cursing again, and galloped into the crowd sputtering and swearing and accusing Dick and Fred of foul play.
The winning crowd checked their jubilant expressions and turned on him.
“Here, you calf, stop your bellerin’ and take your medicine,” said Jim.
“What about the start?” asked Dan, as the starters rode up.
“Fair enough!” returned Dick.
“You’re a liar,” shouted Bud.
Dick leaped from his horse and started for Nixon, who was bristling for a fight.
“Hold on, boys!” shouted Dan, pointing down the road.
The opponents checked themselves and looked up to see two ranch girls galloping towards them. It was Alta Morgan, of the Morgan ranch, and Sally Johnson, the daughter of the game warden. They were riding around the valley to invite everybody to come to the dance at Morgan’s that night. As they dashed up to the crowd, the cowboys received them with whoops of welcome. Their coming suggested a new hope to Nixon.