of the way. It was
only to escape the flying hoofs, for, an instant later, Roy had the
plunging horse by the bridle, and was hanging on for dear life.

CHAPTER XII

AT THE HOTEL

There were confused shouts from the crowd. Several men rushed forward,
in spite of the efforts of the officer to hold them back. Women
screamed, and several fainted.

The horse was rearing and kicking, but Roy, plucky lad that he was,
held on like grim death.

With one hand firmly grasping the bridle, he reached up with the other,
and clasped the nostrils of the horse in a tight grip. This served to
prevent the horse from breathing well, and, as his lungs needed plenty
of air, on account of his fast run, the animal probably concluded he
had met his master.

"That's right! Hold him!" called a man. "I'll help you in a minute!"

"I guess I can manage him now," said Roy calmly. "There now, old
fellow," he went on, speaking soothingly to the horse. The animal was
having hard work to breathe. Roy saw this and loosened his hold
slightly. Then he began to pat the horse, continuing to speak to it.
The animal, which was more frightened than vicious, began to calm down.

"I've got him!" exclaimed the policeman, coming up and taking hold of
the bridle.

"Oh, he's all right now; aren't you, old fellow?" spoke Roy, as he
rubbed the horse's muzzle.

Indeed the animal did seem to be. His dangerous hoofs were still, and,
though he trembled a bit, he was quieting down.

"That was a fine catch, my lad," remarked one man. "Where did you
learn to stop runaway horses?"

"Out on my father's ranch in Colorado. This is nothing. We have a
runaway every day out there. I've often caught 'em."

"Then the city ought to hire a few lads like you to give some of our
policemen lessons," went on the man, with a meaning glance at the
officer.

"Come now, move on. Don't collect a crowd," spoke the bluecoat
gruffly. He was a little bit ashamed that he had not made an attempt
to stop the horse, but it was due more to thoughtlessness than to
actual fear. Besides, he first considered getting the women out of
harm's way.

"It was a brave act," went on the man. "I'd like to shake hands with
you, young man."

He extended his hand which Roy, blushing at the praise, accepted.

"Here, I want to get in on that," exclaimed another man, and soon as
many as could crowd around Roy were shaking hands with him, while
murmurs of admiration were heard