A WILD THOROUGHBRED 157 



stantial and stockaded circular corral, Davis was 

 told that it was used chiefly for the purpose of 

 subduing refractory bronchos. Into this stock- 

 ade the horses were driven, roped heels and head, 

 thrown, and hog-tied. 



"That's cruel. That's wrong," drawled 

 Davis; but his comments were drowned amid 

 the jeers and roars of the cowboys. 



Davis was given a saddle and directed to the 

 corral in which was his allotment of saddle 

 ponies, including Black Diamond. 



"Hey, there!" roared the foreman, "two or 

 three of you fellows get a move on you and 

 help Sam get Black Diamond." 



Half the bunch leaped to their feet and came 

 merrily forward, eager to help out for the privi- 

 lege of being a close spectator of the exhibit 

 which they had scheduled to take place when 

 Sam made the acquaintance of the outlaw. 



To the astonishment of everyone, Sam an- 

 nounced that he did not want any help, did not 

 want any one to frighten his pony with their 

 cruel and crazy methods. There was a quiet 

 sneer and much nudging among the bunch as 

 Davis, with coiled rope, started for the corral 

 alone, whistling a low, lively tune. 



He was a dark, athletic fellow, about thirty- 

 five, and had the shuffling, straddling walk of the 

 cowboy. As he strode off he rolled and lighted 



