"We have several teams of those fellows for the heavy work with
the show. Of course we don't use them in the ring. Is this what
you brought me here to see?"
"Yep. Git up there."
"What do you mean?"
"Git up and show us fellers if you're a real circus man."
"You mean you want me to ride him?" said Phil.
"Sure thing."
"How?"
"Git on his back and do one of them bareback stunts you was
telling us about," and the fellow winked covertly at his
companions, as much as if to say, "we've got him going
this time."
"What; here in this rough yard?"
"Yep."
Phil considered for a moment, stamping about on the straw-covered
ground, then sizing up the horse critically.
"All right. Bring me a bridle and fasten a long enough rein to
the bit so I can get hold of it standing up."
He was really going to do as they demanded. The men were
surprised.
They had not believed he could, and now, at any rate, he was
going
to make an effort to make good his boast.
A bridle was quickly fetched and slipped on the head of old Joe.
In place of reins the farmer attached a rope to the bridle,
Phil measuring on the back of the horse to show how long it
should be cut.
The preparations all complete, Phil grasped the rein and
vaulted to the high back of the animal, landing astride neatly.
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