Bucking Centaur

Bendi said, “I would be a champion bucker back in your world. No human could stay on my back for ten seconds.”

“That’s what you think,” Reb said. “You want to try it?”

Moonwise pulled up beside them just then. He said, “This is a good place for a camp. We will sleep here tonight and continue in the morning.”

Bendi said, “My small human thinks he wants to try to stay on my back for ten seconds while I try to throw him off. With your permission, Moonwise?”

Moonwise stared at the young Southerner, who glared back defiantly. “I do not think it would be a good idea. You might break your neck, Reb.”

“I don’t intend to be tossed off. Just give me something to hang onto, and I’ll show you.”

“Hang onto my belt.”

Indeed, Bendi did wear around his waist a belt with a knife stuck in it.

Reb took hold of the belt with his right hand. He pulled his Stetson down firmly over his brow and said, “I’m ready. Let her buck.”

Instantly Bendi rose into the air and twisted. It was a mighty twist, and it sent Reb flying through the air like an arrow shot from a bow. He turned a complete somersault and landed on his back. The air was driven from his lungs with a whoosh, and he got up slowly, complaining, “I wasn’t ready. Give me another chance.”

“Be careful. As I said, you might break your neck,” Moonwise warned.

“Not me.” He went back to the centaur and with one leap was on his back. Grasping the belt again, he pulled his hat down. “All right,” he said, gritting his teeth. “Let her go.”

Bendi began to buck, but this time Reb was prepared. He was tossed and thrown, and he almost slipped off, but somehow he managed to cling to the centaur’s broad back. Loud calls sounded from the other centaurs, and Reb heard his friends whooping, “Ride ‘im, cowboy!”

Suddenly Bendi stopped bucking and stood still. He turned and said in a kindly fashion, “You are a fine rider. I didn’t think anyone could have done that.”

Reb had been snapped and popped and jolted so fiercely that his vision was blurred. “Well,” he admitted, “you’re a pretty good bucker too. Don’t know as I ever sat on a better one.”