can't be did, kid!
'At's all!"

The bunch filed into the tent. Judd removed his coat, disclosing a
checkered shirt and a pair of suspenders. He then took off his shoes,
seeming unconscious of the interested crowd about him and the titter of
laughter which went the rounds. The manager stepped into the big ring,
leading Judd after him. "Ladles an' gentlemen, meet Mister Judd
Billings. He's a freshman in Bartlett college. An' it's the earnest
wish of this management 'at he'll be able to continue his studies there
after his little affair with Dynamite. Henry, bring in the mule!"

Everyone craned their necks toward the side entrance. Suddenly, with a
loud, "Hee Haw!" Dynamite shot into the ring, an attendant frantically
pulling at the halter. The crowd cheered.

Judd eyed the animal carefully. Dynamite was large and, from his
pawing and snorting, very excitable.

Pole shut his eyes and grasped the railing that surrounded the ring,
fearing the consequences.

"Poor Rube," he said.

"Poor Rube nothin'!" scoffed Benz, "Watch the fun!"

Judd's face reddened. It came over him, in a flash, that the fellows
had pulled "a put up job" on him and that he was being made sport of in
front of the crowd.

"If Judd Billings rides this animal successfully, this management
cheerfully gives him twenty-five dollars," reminded the manager. "But
he must stick to Dynamite's back for ten minutes. Everyone get your
watches out. Now Judd! Now Dynamite, blow him up!"

The manager left the ring hurriedly. The attendant gave Judd the
halter and also fled. Judd moved slowly, precisely, cautiously. While
Dynamite hee-hawed stubbornly and tried to pull away, Judd jerked the
halter fiercely, pulled the mule toward him, stepped up, grasped a long
ear firmly, and swung up onto Dynamite's back. The crowd gasped and
consulted their watches. The fight was on!

The moment that Judd touched Dynamite's back was a signal for the
explosives to let loose. The mule bounded into the air and came down
stiff-legged. But Judd had curled his legs tightly about the body and
buried his toes in its flanks. His powerful hands each gripped a long
ear which he twisted and squeezed at his pleasure. Dynamite bellowed
with rage and shot about the ring, kicking, biting, rearing; but unable
to throw off the rider.

"Great work, Rube!" shouted Benz, unable to conceal his admiration.
"That-a-boy! Stick to him. One minute's gone all ready. Only ni