"
They let their horses out a notch or two, and closed up on White Fang,
who was off the ridge by this time, and galloping across the prairie.
The old wolf did not seem to have as much steam in him as usual, and
loped along in easy fashion, occasionally looking over his shoulder at
them, apparently gauging the distance and their speed.
"The only way to get close to him is to spurt when he isn't thinking
about it," said Ted. "Let 'em out!"
A prick of the spur sent their horses forward on the leap.
Ted was coiling his rope in his hand ready for a cast, and Stella and
Bud followed his example.
"When we get close enough to throw, scatter out, and be ready to let
your rope go if either of us misses. All ready now!"
Ted dashed forward, swinging his rope around his head, and when he was
close enough he made a beautiful cast and the rope went through the air
as true as a bullet, hovering in a sinuous loop above White Fang. But
just as it was about to settle the wily old rascal dodged to one side,
and the rope fell into the sand.
"He's a cute chap," shouted Ted, bringing in his rope without slackening
his speed, while Bud's rope flew through the air and missed the wolf by
about a foot.
Stella was in a bad position to throw, and withheld her rope.
Again they closed in upon the wolf, who had begun to grow more wary and
had hit up his speed, dodging and turning on his trail, making some
swift turns and nimble feats of horsemanship necessary to keep within
roping distance of him.
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