Perry's Bend
had been unfortunate m being the first to hold a carnival, inasmuch as
it only set a mark to be improved upon, and Buckskin had taken
advantage of this and had added a brass band, and now in turn was to
be eclipsed.
The events slated were numerous and varied, the most important being
those which dealt directly with the everyday occupations of the
inhabitants of that section of the country. Broncho busting, steer-
roping and tying, rifle and revolver shooting, trick riding and fancy
roping made up the main features of the programme and were to be set
off by horse and foot racing and other county fair necessities.
Altogether, the proud citizens of the town looked forward with keen
anticipation to the coming excitements, and were prone to swagger a
bit and to rub their hands in condescending egoism, while the crowded
gambling halls and saloons, and the three-card-monte men on the street
corners enriched themselves at the cost of venturesome know-it-ails.
Hopalong was firmly convinced that his day of hard riding was well
worth while, for the Bar-2o was to be represented in strength.
Probably a clearer insight into his idea of a carnival can be gained
by his definition, grouchily expressed to Red Connors on the day
following the last affair: "Raise cain, go broke, wake up an' begin
punching cows all over again." But that was the day after and the day
after is always filled with remorse.
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