ne
more!"

As mule and Judd passed by the railing where the fellows were excited
onlookers, a mighty cheer went up. Judd's face wore an expression of
set determination.

Dynamite was not used to being held by the ears. He could not stick
his head between his legs and roll over as he had been accustomed to.
He tried until he was almost frantic to free his head, but Judd's grip
was vice-like.

Five minutes crawled slowly past and still Judd kept his seat, despite
a series of bucks, plunges, side-steps, rearings, and sudden balks.

The manager clutched his watch nervously. No man had ever remained
seated that long before and twenty-five dollars would eat into the
night's profit.

"He can't last another five minutes," the manager told himself. "Throw
yourself, Dynamite! Throw yourself!"

As if obeying orders Dynamite reared up and fell sideways.

"Look out, Rube!" shrieked the crowd.

"Gad!" cried Pole, "Look at that, will you?"

Judd had struck the ground with Dynamite but remained on top and when
Dynamite struggled to his feet Judd was still on his back.

"Nine minutes gone!" somebody yelled, "Stick to it, Rube! You've got
the money, kid!"

Dynamite was raving wild now. No man had ever remained seated after a
tumble like that! With a final snort of rage he dashed about the ring,
jumping high in the air, bucking, twisting, turning. It was no use.
Judd could not be shaken off.

"Time!" roared the crowd, hoarsely.

The attendant rushed out to rescue Dynamite.

"Never mind, Mister," smiled Judd, perspiration trickling down his
face. "Dynamite won't explode any more. He's meek as a lamb an' all
in!"

True, Dynamite might just as well have been christened Talcum Powder
now, for all the fight there was in him. The poor donkey had no
further ambitions to unseat other riders and was perfectly content to
let Judd perch on his back.

"Son, you're all right!" congratulated the manager, holding out his
hand. "I'm a game loser. I'm not only out twenty-five dollars but my
Dynamite is all gone. A baby could ride that mule now! Officer, pay
this _man_ the money. He earned it all right!"

CHAPTER X

AN ATTEMPTED HOLD-UP

It was exactly six-thirty and the fellows were just finishing a good
supper at Walker's lunch counter. Judd had become a hero in the eyes
of everyone now, except Benz. He could not allow himself to think of
Judd being other than just a plain country rube and although migh