e door Johnson, who had had a hard time
getting through the crowd, entered. As they passed Bert said, "Maybe this
will teach you to stick to straight racing, Summers. Take my advice and
cut out the crooked stuff. It doesn't pay in the end."

The defeated athlete started, and muttered an oath. "I know who you are
now," he exclaimed. "I recognized you first thing, but couldn't place
you. It's just my luck," he continued bitterly. "If I'd had any idea who
I was going to run against I'd have backed out. But I'll get even with
you some day for queering my game, see if I don't."

"Do your worst," invited Bert. "So long," and he hastened after his
friends, who had gone on slowly during this time. "What did he say?"
inquired Tom, and Bert repeated the substance of the brief exchange of
talk. "But I'm not worrying much over his threats," he finished. "I
imagine he'll be a little more careful in the future."

They then repaired directly to the hotel, where they had supper.
Afterward they went out again to view an elaborate display of fireworks
given under the auspices of the town. Everywhere were hilarious cowboys,
who as soon as they recognized Bert crowded about the party and made
progress difficult. At last they struggled to a point of vantage where
they could see everything going on, and spent an enjoyable evening.

About ten o'clock they returned to the hotel, and after securing their
ponies set out on the long ride back to camp, accompanied by such of the
ranchmen as could tear themselves away so early. They straggled in singly
and in couples all the next day, and it was almost a week before the
affairs of the ranch settled down into their usual well-ordered
condition.

From that time on, the regard in which the three comrades were held by
the rough Westerners never wavered, and the cowboys never wearied of
discussing again and again the details of the great race that clipped the
wings of the "townies."

CHAPTER VII

The Wolf Pack

One evening not long after their arrival at the camp the three friends,
wearied after a day of strenuous activity, were whiling away the time in
reminiscences of some of their past adventures. Mr. Melton, who made one
of the little group, listened in an interested fashion, and seemed little
disposed to interrupt the draught of "memories' mellow vine."

After a while they ceased talking, and a short silence ensued, which was
abruptly broken by Bert.

"Look here, fellows," he ex