You see ?" In fact, the moment Perris slipped from the saddle, Rickety rocked forward on his forelegs and drove both heels at one of the reckless who came too near.

A second later he was fighting with the activity and venom of a cat to get away from the ropes.

The crowd chattered its surprise.

Plainly the fierce old outlaw had not fought his last.
"What _did_ Perris do to the horse ?" murmured Marianne.
"I don't know," said Corson.

"But you seem to have guessed something.
See the way he stands there with his chin on his fist and studies Rickety! Maybe Perris is one of these here geniuses and us ordinary folks can only understand a genius by using a book on him." She nodded, very serious.
"There _is_ a use for fighting men, isn't there ?" she brooded.
"Use for 'em ?" laughed Corson.