He had told Yates to help the boys.
Now, as it happened, Yates was full of fun and always up to practical jokes.

It had disgusted him to see Todd bring out such comparatively safe ponies as those ridden by Roger and Phil.

He had been told to bring out a certain animal for Dave, but instead led forth a bronco that was as wild and fiery as any used the day previous.
"If he rides that beast, he's a good one," Yates murmured to himself, and then he beckoned to some other cowboys to watch the fun.

Half a dozen quit work to draw closer, each with a broad grin on his sunburnt face.

They expected to see Dave get the shaking-up of his life and felt positive he would not be able to stay on the bronco's back two minutes.
"He certainly is a wild one," said Dave, as he advanced and eyed the pony.
"Oh, he's no worse than the others," answered Yates, smoothly, and then he rolled his eyes and winked at the other cowboys.
Dave looked critically at the saddle and saw to it that it was properly buckled.