Page:Patches (1928).pdf/50

 "Single shot," chorused the cow-punchers.

"Be they center fire or three quarters rigged?" inquired Long Tom.

"That's another on me," said Larry.

"I see I shall have to explain again," said Uncle Henry. "On our Western saddles we have two straps coming down from the tree. At the angle where they meet there is a ring and the cinch is lashed into that ring. If these straps are of equal length it is center fire, but if the forward one is shorter than the other it is three quarters."

"I see," said Larry, "we have one strap coming down from the saddle tree."

"I dunno," said Long Tom, "but I'm afeared that a single rigged wouldn't hold a thousand pound steer when you brung him up short. I'm afeared you would lose steer, rider, and saddle."

"I am wondering," put in Pony Perkins, "what your Major would think if he was on a wild hoss, one that would crowhop, and sunfish, and swap ends. I guess he would think there was something doing."

"Perhaps he would," said Larry, "but he is a good hurdle rider and a fine polo player."

"That air polo game is some game," said Big Bill. "Me and California Joe usen to play it for the moving picter folks down at Los Angeles."