e you try that lift."

"I ain't got no time for foolin'," replied the young man; "Dad's
just pushin' to get done before dark."

"Shucks!" retorted the other; "Hit won't take a minute t' try.
Jest catch hold an' show us what you can do."

"What are you all so keen about my liftin' for, anyhow?" demanded
the big fellow, suspiciously. "I ain't never set up as the strong
man of this country."

"Well, you see it's this way; Buck done bet me his mule colt agin
mine that you could lift her; an' we want you to settle th' bet!"
exclaimed Lem.

Young Matthews shot a glance at the mountaineer, who grinned
joyously. "Yep," said Buck, "that's how it is; I'm a backin' you.
Don't want you t' hurt yourself for me, but I sure do need that
colt o' Lem's; hit's a dead match for mine."

The giant looked at his friend a moment in silence, then burst
into a laugh of appreciation at Buck's hint. "Seein' as how you're
backin' me, Buck, I'll have t' get you that mule if I can."

He shut off steam, and, as the engine came to a stop, stooped,
and, with apparent ease, lifted the rear wheel a full four inches
from the ground.

Loud exclamations of admiration came from the little group of men
in the shed. Lem turned with a long face, "Them colts 'll make a
fine team, Buck;" he said.

"You bet; come over an' hep me break 'em," replied Buck, with
another grin of delight.

"Wait 'till Wash Gibbs hears 'bout this, an' he'll sure be for
breakin' Young Matt," put in another.

"Better get your fightin' clothes on, Matt; Wash'll never rest
easy until you've done showed him." These and similar remarks
revealed the general view of the situation.

While the men were discussing the matter, a thin, high-pitched
voice from the edge of the crowd, broke in, "That there's a good
lift alright, but hit ain't nothin' t' what I seed when I was t'
th' circus in th' city."

Young Matt, who had started the engine again, turned quickly.
Ollie Stewart was sitting on a horse near by, and at his side, on
the brown pony, was Miss Sammy Lane. They had evidently ridden up
just in time to witness the exhibition of the giant's strength.

CHAPTER XI.

OLLIE STEWART'S GOOD-BY.

Beside the splendidly developed young woman, Ollie Stewart
appeared but a weakling. His shoulders were too narrow and he
stooped; his limbs were thin; his hair black and straight; and his
eyes dull.

As Young Matt stepped forward, Ollie dismounted quickly, but the
big fellow