The steeple-climber stands in a stirrup held by one noose while he lassoes the shaft above him with another noose, supporting another stirrup on which he presently stands.
But in the taut lassoes he sensed the direction of his captors.
He got a hand on the horse, pulled him round, and, mounting in a flash, wound both lassoes round the pommel of the saddle.
They were swift, graceful, daring; they never failed to catch a running steer, and the lassoes always went true.
This was strenuous toil, requiring the need of lassoes to haul up the effects.
A big stove stood at one end, and there were pegs for saddles, bridles and lassoes all about.
They covered their tents with the thick skins, and made saddles, boats, lassoes and shoes from them.
All were heavily armed, and several carried lassoes and ropes.
