Now Pink-eye's head was raised above the back of his fellows so that
Tad got a good roping sight. The lariat began curving in the air,
then its great loop opened, shot out and dropped neatly over the
head of the pink-eyed pony. Tad drew it taut before it settled to
the animal's shoulder, at the same time throwing his full weight on
the rawhide.

He would have been equally successful in trying to hold a steam
engine. Before the lad had time to swing the line and throw the pony
from its feet, the muscular little animal had leaped to one side.

The sudden jerk hurled the boy through the air.

"Look out!" warned the cowboy.

His warning came too late.

Tad was thrown with great force full against the heels of another
broncho.

"He'll be killed!" cried Professor Zepplin.

Up went the pony's hind feet and with them Tad Butler. The pony came
down as quickly as it had gone up, but Tap kept on going. He had
been near the wire corral when he was jerked against the animal's
feet.

The pony kicked a clean goal and Tad was projected over the wire
fence, landing in a heap several feet outside the corral.