It was a critical moment.  Who was to be the master must be decided quickly.  If the bull conquered then the cattle would get to milling generally, and the mischief would be to pay.

It would not take long for them to stampede, if the bull started the panic, or made a charge.  Ted saw the danger, and knew that the condition must be treated diplomatically, which was the easier way, or with force, of which the outcome was most uncertain.

It depended, in a measure, on the temper of the bull himself.

The cattle were crowding up from the rear, and those nearest the bull were beginning to feel the pressure and were pushing toward Gladiator, who was fifteen feet in advance of the herd.

When he noticed that the herd was moving, his anger increased, and he lowered his head and began to paw the ground.

Ted held up his hand to Billy Sudden as a signal to cease pushing the animals, but they had got the impetus and would not stop.

In a moment they had begun to crowd upon the bull, who, with legs planted stubbornly, would not be crowded, and began to gore aside those who were being pushed upon him.

Ted saw instantly that this was going to result in disaster if not stopped, as the frightened steers, feeling Gladiator’s sharp horns, turned back on the herd, and were pushing their way frantically into the center of it, while others, coming up, were forced upon the bull’s horns.

“Darn a stubborn bull, anyhow!” exclaimed Ted.  “I’ve got to get in and put a stop to that, or Gladiator will have the herd to milling or running in less than ten minutes.”

“Be careful,” was all Stella said, but there was a world of anxiety in her voice.

“You better get out of the way, Stella,” said Ted “Ride to the rear.  You will see it all, and have just as much fun, and will be out of danger.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to make that bull move along or bust a string.”

Ted’s jaw was set with determination, and when Stella saw that she knew that it would be useless for her to say anything more.

Ted loosened his rope, grasped his quirt firmly, and rode slowly toward the bull, while Stella signaled to Billy Sudden to ride up to the head of the herd.

The boys, observing Ted’s actions, knew what he was about to do, and ceased moving the cattle and sat on their horses to watch for the outcome of the contest.

Most of them felt like spectators at a performance of a specially hazardous feat, and held their breath.  But each was on the alert to rush to Ted’s assistance the moment he seemed to need it.

As the bull looked up, and saw Ted approaching him, he ceased pawing, and stood with watchful eyes.  Occasionally he sent forth a challenging bellow.  His tail was switching from side to side, like that of an angry cat.

Ted was coming alertly.  No one knew the danger of openly attacking the bull better than himself, and yet it must be done.