These expectations were backed with all the available Bar-20 money, and, if they were not realized, something in the nature of a calamity would swoop down upon and wrap that ranch in gloom.

Since the O-Bar-O was aggressively optimistic the betting was at even money, hats and guns, and the losers would begin life anew so far as earthly possessions were concerned.

No other competitors were considered in this event, as Skinny and Lefty had so far outclassed all others that the honor was believed to lie between these two.
Hopalong, blissfully figuring out the chances of the different contestants, galloped around a clump of mesquite only fifteen miles from Muddy Wells and stiffened in his saddle, for twenty rods ahead of him on the trail was a woman.

As she heard him approach she turned and waited for him to overtake her, and when she smiled he raised his sombrero and bowed.
"Will you please tell me where I am ?" She asked.
"Yu are fifteen miles southeast of Muddy Wells," he replied.
"But which is southeast ?" "Right behind yu," he answered.

"Th' town lies right ahead." "Are you going there ?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am." "Then you will not care if I ride with you ?" She asked.