“Come on, boy; after the bull.”
Ticktock went after the big animal. Cutting steers out of herds, chasing back strays, and all such maneuvers were old routine with him. He needed few directions; all he required was to know where Jim wanted the bull to go. They turned the animal back and, after a few trys, chased him through the orchard gate.
Once inside, Jim gave the defeated and lumbering bull a triumphant swat with his switch. The big beast broke into a reluctant run. Shouting and waving his arms like a wild cowboy, Jim chased the vanquished bull to the far end of the orchard.
When finally there was no place farther to go, he relented. Returning, he fastened the gate securely and slid off Ticktock.
“You’re the bravest and smartest horse in the world, Ticktock. I’m going to get you something for a reward.”
Jim swaggered into the kitchen, trying to walk as he thought a bow-legged cowboy would.
“Ticktock is really a smart horse, isn’t he, Mom?”
“He seems to be very intelligent,” admitted his mother.
“We can handle that bull all right,” boasted Jim. “Why we can chase him all over.”
“I noticed you did,” said Mrs. Meadows dryly. “I don’t say he didn’t deserve it this time, but don’t make a practice of chasing him. That bull is going to be sold and there is no use running the fat off him.”