in even getting their saddles on the
bronchos without throwing them and hog-tying them, and only one, Billy
Sudden, stayed the required ten minutes, and he said afterward that it
wasn't his fault, because the broncho wouldn't let him get off.

Ted then announced that there was another animal in the herd that he
would ask no man to ride, but that he would try to do so himself.

Another great cheer went up as Ted rode away after the black demon, to
whom the boys had given the name Lucifer, for his supposed resemblance
to his satanic majesty.

But it was found impossible to drive Lucifer into the arena.

"Never mind," said Ted, "we'll throw the saddle on him here, and I'll
ride him in."

A crowd of men and boys was standing around, and Ted removed his saddle
and handed it to a young fellow in the crowd to hold until he had thrown
Lucifer. The animal was standing in the center of the circle, his wary
eyes taking in the crowd, and letting fly with his heels at the approach
of any one.

"Now, Bud," called Ted, "ride in on him and rope him. You, Kit, get him
by the leg and throw him, and I'll slip a bridle on him."

It was not much of a trick to rope and hold him so that he couldn't
kick. But when Ted tried to slip the bit between his teeth, he fought
like the demon that he was, biting and kicking, so that he had to be
thrown to his side and his head held down before the bridle could be put
on him.

Then he was allowed to rise. There was no doubt but that the horse was
insane with rage and fear, and several cowmen came forward and tried to
persuade Ted from attempting to ride him, but Ted was as obstinate as
the horse, and said that he would conquer the black, or die in the
attempt.

He finally found the fellow who had been holding his saddle, although he
had left his stand and was found back behind the crowd talking to a gang
of young fellows, among whom Ted recognized several of Creviss'
companions. This delayed and angered him, and he called the saddle
bearer down for deserting his post, and was answered with sneers and
laughter.

After many trials, and the exertion of a great deal of patience, Ted got
the saddle on Lucifer and hastily cinched, and as he sprang to the
brute's back the ropes were loosed. With a bound and a snort of terror
the black dashed forward, and it was with the greatest difficulty that
Ted swung it so it went through the gates and into the arena without
dashing him against the posts.

On