Todd announced that the cowboys of Star Ranch and Hooper Ranch, up the river, were going to hold a contest in "bronco-busting" and in fancy riding. All the young folks were invited to be present and a little stand was to be erected, from which they might view what was going on in comfort.
"Hurrah! that suits me!" cried Dave. "I've been wanting to see them break in a real bronco."
"And I want to see some of their fancy riding," added the senator's son. "It will be a real Wild West show."
"And no fifty cents admission, either," said Phil, with a grin.
"I hope nobody gets hurt," said Jessie, timidly.
"Oh, they are generally more careful than you think," answered Mr. Endicott.
"But bronco-busting is dangerous, isn't it?" questioned Laura.
"Yes,—for anybody who has had no experience. But Todd and some of the others can saddle and ride any pony in these parts."
All went out to the stretch of plain where the contest was to take place. The little stand was there, true enough, and to the four corners were nailed four flags—two of the Stars and Stripes, and one each of the two ranches, that of the Endicotts having a blue field with the words, Star Ranch, in white.
