who was a giant, and the most
feared man in the Wichita Mountains. But Ben was more than his match in
wrestling skill, and, moreover, he was younger and more supple for all
his bulk, and his work on the football gridiron when in college had
taught him tricks of the tackle of which the big bully did not dream.

He had a hold on the bully now, and was gradually forcing him backward
toward the frail railing that inclosed the floor of the stand.

Ted saw his intention. It was to throw Shan Rhue against the railing,
then spring away. Rhue evidently divined the same thing, for he
struggled with all his force against it, striking Ben in the ribs and
occasionally in the face.

But his blows were not very effective, as Ben had him caught so closely
that his blows lost their power. Thus the struggle went on for a few
moments. Then, when it was least expected, there was a crash of breaking
wood.

A yell went up from the crowd as it surged back, and the gigantic body
of Shan Rhue came hurtling through the railing, which went into
splinters from the impact of his bulk.

Shan Rhue grasped at the air, as with a roar he went over. He turned a
complete somersault as he descended and landed on his shoulders. For a
moment he lay quivering, half stunned.

There was dead silence in the crowd and none dared go to his assistance.
But presently the bully sat up and passed his hand over his eyes. With a
roar of pain and rage he sprang to his feet and looked around.

The nearest person to him was the leader of the broncho boys, who stood
on the edge of the crowd, alert and smiling. Ted knew that it meant
fight now.

He was convinced that Ben was in the right, but right or wrong, Ben had
started it, and it was now up to the broncho boys to see that their side
did not get the worst of it.

Realizing that Ted was an enemy, Shan Rhue made a rush at him. Those
beside Ted turned and ran. But Ted did not move. He only stood a little
tenser.

It took but a moment for the bully to cross the distance that lay
between him and Ted. His rush was like that of a bull, and as
irresistible. But Ted did not propose to take the brunt of it. He knew
several tricks better than that.

As Rhue was about to launch himself upon Ted, the latter stepped lightly
aside. So sure was Rhue of landing on Ted and bearing him to the ground
that he had leaped into the air, and, finding nothing to stop his
progress, was overbalanced. A sweep of Ted's foot completed i