Bluff did not make any verbal reply to this unkind thrust on the part of
Jerry, but Frank, looking at him, saw that his face was deadly pale, and
that he was staring at the terrible monster with whom the reckless
cowboys were playing as a cat does with a mouse. He knew Bluff was
feeling a chill at the thought of such a tragedy happening as his having
an encounter with a beast like that.

"What if the ropes should break?" asked Frank as the captive made a more
ferocious rush than usual, and the pony on the other side was dragged
several feet.

"Then there would be somewhat of a mix-up, and a case of every man for
himself. They'd expect me to show that I hadn't altogether forgotten my
craft in connection with handling a rifle. Once I used to be a crack
shot, but lack of experience plays hob with a man's nerves," replied
Mr. Mabie, as he sat upon his steed and played with the repeating rifle
he held.

"I see you are enjoying the situation, boys. Would one of you like to
wind him up?" and the ranchman turned to Frank.

"I don't believe I would, sir," laughed that worthy.

"How about you, Jerry?"

"I've often dreamed of shooting such game, but excuse me, Mr. Mabie, it
would be too much like the butcher business to please me," observed the
other.

At this the stockman laughed.