was neither time nor disposition to choose.

Pete wished that Blue Smoke had a little more of Rowdy's equable
disposition. It was typical of Pete, however, that he absolutely hated
to leave an unpleasant task to an indefinite future. Moreover, he
rather liked the Concho boys and the foreman. He wanted to ride with
them. That was the main thing. Any hesitancy he had in regard to
riding the outlaw was the outcome of discretion rather than of fear.
Bailey had said there was no work for him. Pete felt that he had
rather risk his neck a dozen times than to return to the town of Concho
and tell Roth that he had been unsuccessful in getting work. Yet Pete
did not forget his shrewdness. He would bargain with the foreman.

"How long kin a fella stick on that there Blue Smoke hoss?" he queried
presently.

"Depends on the man," said Bailey, grinning.

"Bailey here stayed with him fifteen seconds onct," said a cowboy.

Pete pushed hack his hat. "Well, I ain't no bronco-twister, but I
reckon I could ride him a couple o' jumps. Who's keepin' time on the
dog-gone cayuse?"

"Anybody that's got a watch," replied Bailey.

Pete hitched up his chaps. "I got a watch and I'd hate to bust her.
If you'll hold her till I git through"--and he handed the watch to the
nearest cowboy. "If you'll throw my saddle on 'im, I reckon I'll walk
him round a little and see what kind of action he's got."