Pat stopped and moved uneasily in his seat. Then he continued, “It was when one of the boys got a little too close, and that black devil struck him in the side and he fell at our feet, that we decided there was nothing else to do but choke him! We got our lassoes around his neck and pulled until we had him pretty near gone. It was tough on him, but there was no other way. When he was almost unconscious, we let him down once again and somehow managed to lower him below.

“It was a job, lad, that I hope I’ll never have to be in on again. We have some other horses and cattle in the hold, too, and they’re all scared to death of him. It’s a regular bedlam down there now, and I hate to think what might happen when that horse is himself again! We’ve got him in the strongest stall, but I’m wondering whether even that’ll hold him!”

Pat rose from his chair and walked to the other side of the cabin.

Alec was silent, then he spoke slowly. “I’m sorry I’ve caused you all so much trouble. If only I’d been able to—”

“I didn’t aim to make you feel like that, lad,” Pat interrupted. “I guess we knew what we were doing, and from the looks of that animal he’s worth it. Only we all realize now that he needs you to handle him—the Lord help anyone else that tries to!”

“Tell the captain I’ll repay him and you fellows, too, Pat, somehow.”

“Sure, lad, and now I have some work to do. You try and get some more sleep, and tomorrow or the next day you’ll be on your feet again.” He paused on his way to the door. “If you give me your address, we can radio your parents that you are safe, and tell them where we’re bound.”

Alec smiled and wrote his address on the piece of paper Pat handed him. “Tell them I’ll be with them—soon,” he said as he finished.

KING OF THE HERD
6

A few days later Alec got out of bed for the first time. His injured leg weakly supported him. As he dressed, a knock came upon the door.

“Come in,” he called.

Pat entered. In his hand was a radiogram. “It’s from your folks.” He grinned.

Alec took it and read: “Thank God you’re safe. Cabling money to Rio de Janeiro. Hurry home. Love. Mother and Dad.”

He was silent a minute, then looked up at Pat. “It’ll be great to get home,” he said.

Pat smiled. “How’s the leg feel?”

“Not so bad,” Alec answered as he continued his dressing. “How’s the Black doing?”

“I’m afraid he’s feeling better—it’s a good thing you’re able to get down there today!” answered Pat.

Alec drew on a pair of large pants which one of the sailors had given him.

“Kinda big for you, aren’t they?” asked Pat.

“Better than walking around without any.” Alec grinned.