The little beast's head went down. Its proud spirit had been broken by a
boy who knew the ways of the stubborn animal.

A great shout of approval went up from cowpunchers and Pony Riders. They
had never seen a breaking done more skillfully.

Tad's gloved hand patted the neck of the subdued animal affectionately.

"I'm sorry I had to be rough with you, old boy, but you shall have a
lump of sugar. We're going to be great friends, now, I know."

CHAPTER XX

DINNER AT THE OX BOW

"Welcome to the Ox Bow, young gentlemen," greeted Colonel McClure.

The rancher and his wife were waiting at the lower end of the lawn as
the Pony Rider Boys, accompanied by Professor Zepplin, rode up on the
following afternoon.

The lads wore their regulation plainsman's clothes, but for this
occasion coats had been put on and hair combed, each desiring to look
his best, as they were to meet the young ladies of the ranch.

"We owe you an apology, sir, for appearing in this condition," announced
the Professor.

"Master Butler and myself have already settled that question," answered
the rancher. "As Henry Ward Beecher once said, 'Clothes don't make the
man, but when he is made he looks very well dressed up.' I must say,
however, that these young men are about as likely a lot of lads as I
have ever seen."

Clear-eyed, their faces tanned almost to a copper color, figures erect
and shoulders well back, the Pony Rider Boys were indeed wholesome to
look upon. Perhaps Sadie and Margaret McClure were not blind to this,
for they blushed very prettily, the boys thought, upon being presented
to their guests. Ruth Brayton was in a sunny mood, laughing gayly as she
chatted with the boys.

Tad glanced at her inquiringly. She was not the same girl that he had
met the day before. There was a difference in the eyes, too. Tad could
not understand the change. It perplexed him.

Colonel McClure took the Professor off to his study, the boys being left
with Mrs. McClure and the young ladies to wander through the grounds and
chat. Each of the young women was an accomplished horsewoman, and
therefore evinced a keen interest in the experiences of the boys since
they had been in saddle.

"I had so often wanted to take a trip through the Rockies on horseback,"
announced Miss Margaret.

"I am afraid you would find it rather rough going," said Ned Rector.

"No worse than the plains," replied Walter. "We have had more hardships
in Texas during the sh