Carefully
I crept forward toward my unsuspecting quarry, coming undetected
to the concealment of a bush not more than twenty feet from him.
Here I quietly arranged my noose, spreading it flat and open upon
the ground.
To step to one side of the bush and throw directly from the ground,
which is the style I am best in, would take but an instant, and
in that instant the stallion would doubtless be under way at top
speed in the opposite direction. Then he would have to wheel about
when I surprised him, and in doing so, he would most certainly
rise slightly upon his hind feet and throw up his head, presenting
a perfect target for my noose as he pivoted.
Yes, I had it beautifully worked out, and I waited until he should
turn in my direction. At last it became evident that he was doing
so, when apparently without cause, the filly raised her head, neighed
and started off at a trot in the opposite direction, immediately
followed, of course, by the colts and my stallion. It looked for
a moment as though my last hope was blasted; but presently their
fright, if fright it was, passed, and they resumed grazing again
a hundred yards farther on. This time there was no bush within
fifty feet of them, and I was at a loss as to how to get within
safe roping-distance. Anywhere under forty feet I am an excellent
roper, at fifty feet I am fair; but over that I knew it would
be a matter of luck if I succeeded in getting my noose about that
beautiful arched neck.
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