"I ain't got no time for foolin'," replied the young man; "Dad's
just pushin' to get done before dark."

"Shucks!" retorted the other; "Hit won't take a minute t' try.
Jest catch hold an' show us what you can do."

"What are you all so keen about my liftin' for, anyhow?" demanded
the big fellow, suspiciously. "I ain't never set up as the strong
man of this country."

"Well, you see it's this way; Buck done bet me his mule colt agin
mine that you could lift her; an' we want you to settle th' bet!"
exclaimed Lem.

Young Matthews shot a glance at the mountaineer, who grinned
joyously. "Yep," said Buck, "that's how it is; I'm a backin' you.
Don't want you t' hurt yourself for me, but I sure do need that
colt o' Lem's; hit's a dead match for mine."

The giant looked at his friend a moment in silence, then burst
into a laugh of appreciation at Buck's hint. "Seein' as how you're
backin' me, Buck, I'll have t' get you that mule if I can."

He shut off steam, and, as the engine came to a stop, stooped,
and, with apparent ease, lifted the rear wheel a full four inches
from the ground.

Loud exclamations of admiration came from the little group of men
in the shed. Lem turned with a long face, "Them colts 'll make a