possessed a more evil temper than his rival. Biting, screaming, kicking,
he circled about his enemy, his savage heart bent on the destruction of
the upstart who had dared to invade his domains. As Mr. Melton and the
boys dashed up, the black horse whirled like lightning and planted both
hind hoofs with deadly effect. The bay horse staggered, but his spirit
was still unconquered, and, recovering himself, he rushed for Satan with
a ferocity almost as great as his.

"Stop them! separate them!" shouted Mr. Melton; "what are you standing
around watching them for? One or the other of them will be killed soon,
if we don't do something."

It was but a few moments since the horses had started fighting, although
it had seemed much longer. At first the cowboys had seemed in a sort of
stupor, so suddenly had the thing happened, but at Mr. Melton's words
they sprang into activity. Some of them ran to get pitchforks, while
others secured lariats from their saddles and hurried back to the scene
of battle.

The bay horse was now getting much the worst of it, and it became evident
that if the two infuriated animals were not separated soon the later
arrival would either be killed or else so badly hurt that he would have
to be shot eventually.

Some of the cowboys rushed into the corral and with shouts and cries
endeavored to separate the combatants. The stallions took not the
slightest notice of them, however, except to lash out savagely at them
whenever they came within striking distance.

"They can't do anything that way," muttered Mr. Melton. "Here," he