Through the air a rope whined. It settled over the head of the outlaw
and instantly was jerked tight. Wild Fire, coming down hard for a
second lunge at the green crumpled heap underfoot, was dragged sharply
sideways. Another lariat snaked forward and fell true.

"Here, Cole!" The first roper thrust the taut line into the hands of a
puncher who had run forward. He himself dived for the still girl
beneath the hoofs of the rearing horse. Catching her by the arms, he
dragged her out of danger. She was unconscious.

The cowboy picked her up and carried her to the waiting ambulance. The
closed eyes flickered open. A puzzled little frown rested in them.

"What's up, Kirby?" asked Wild Rose.

"You had a spill."

"Took the dust, did I?" He sensed the disappointment in her voice.

"You rode fine. He jammed you into the fence," explained the young man.

The doctor examined her. The right arm hung limp.

"Broken, I'm afraid," he said.

"Ever see such luck?" the girl complained to Lane.

"Probably they won't let me ride in the wild-horse race now."

"No chance, young lady," the doctor said promptly. "I'm going to take