t 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 utt