Not so Gladiator.

The great white-and-black bull raised his head proudly, and his fierce, steady eyes regarded them without fear.

Indeed, Gladiator knew no fear, whether of man or beast, wolf pack or mountain lion, serpent or bird of prey.

He was monarch of that herd, and no one said him nay except Ted Strong, who ruled the ranch and all that was on it, by the general consent of his comrades and his own fitness for his rulership.

Ted and Gladiator had had numerous differences, and it was the bull that had backed down every time.

Yet he did not fear Ted.  Rather he hated him because he could not conquer this quick, brave, and resourceful fellow.

“That bull will be the death of you some of these days,” said Stella to Ted once when Gladiator, resenting Ted’s intrusion into the herd for the purpose of cutting out some calves, charged him.  But Ted in the end threw the bull with his rope, humiliating him before all the herd.  From that time forth Gladiator’s eyes always became red with anger when he saw Ted, but he did not misbehave, because he respected Ted’s lariat and quirt, and the strong arm that wielded them.

When they got to the herd the boys circled it from behind, riding in slowly.

Ted and Stella were on the left point, with Bud and Kit opposite.

Bill Sudden was in the rear to drive, while the other Moon Valley cowboys and Billy Sudden’s boys came in from the sides.

At the first interruption of their grazing the cattle moved along sluggishly, but Gladiator did not move.

The big bull stood his ground, with eyes gazing steadily at Ted and Stella, who were approaching him slowly and persistently.

Suddenly Gladiator threw up his head and gave a low, menacing bellow.

“The old chap is waking up,” said Ted.

“Be careful, Ted,” said Stella.  “He’s not in very good humor.”

“I see he isn’t.  But if we go at him easily he’ll be all right.”

“Don’t take any chances with him alone, Ted.”

“Still, I’m not going to let him boss this job.  He’s got to lead this herd out, and that’s all there is to it, for it’s a cinch that they won’t go without him.”

Stella knew that it was useless to say anything more, as when Ted made up his mind to do a thing, it would be done if everything broke.

Billy Sudden had got the herd moving up from the rear, but the forward end of the herd was stagnant.

Gladiator refused to budge, and stood with his stubborn forefeet planted on the sod, his head raised insolently.

But it could be seen that his anger was working within him, and would soon break forth.

Bud was working the cattle nearest him gently on the move, but when they saw that their leader was standing still they ceased their progress and began to crowd and mill, and the steers were getting reckless and beginning to throw their tails in the air and utter low, growling bellows.