“He will too!” cried Jim. “I saw a movie of a bull-fight and bulls sometimes kill horses.”
“Nevertheless, you are staying right here,” said Mrs. Meadows firmly. “If anybody gets hurt, it is not going to be you. Besides, Ticktock is a ranch pony. He can take care of himself.”
The bull took a long curious look at the mustang who continued to graze peacefully. Ordinarily the bull stayed clear of the large work horses but the pony looked small enough to intimidate. He gave several snorts and began to paw with his front foot. Ticktock just went on grazing, ignoring the bull completely. The big animal lowered his head and prepared to rush. Jim squirmed and struggled in another attempt to get free but his mother now had him by the arm and showed no intention of letting him go. Jim wasn’t quite certain what he could do if he were free. All he could think of was that his pony was in danger.
“He’s going to rush!” he shouted.
“You couldn’t stop him,” said his mother. She too began to wonder about the mustang’s safety.
The bull lunged forward, gathering speed as he went. His short legs worked furiously, like pistons in a racing engine. Just as he seemed certain to smash into the pony’s side, Ticktock jerked his head up and made a quick wheeling movement. The bull rushed past harmlessly.
“There!” said Mrs. Meadows, with a huge sigh of relief. “Ticktock can take care of himself.”
“I guess he’s too smart for an old bull,” said Jim with more confidence than he really felt.
The bull turned around and was pawing again. After his experience in the orchard, Jim was well acquainted with the ugly animal’s tactics.
“Look out, Ticktock!” he shouted.