The high chaparral★

Prompt

Blue has his eye on a $300 silver saddle but only $18. He and the men decide they can win the money at the Fourth of July rodeo. When only John wins at the rodeo, it is left to Blue filling in at a prize fight for the boxer he hurt. Blue is saved from being killed by a highwayman by Paddy O'Bannion, a prize fighter in the Tucson Fourth of July celebration. On a trip to Tucson Blue spots a silver saddle for $300. Blue immediately falls in love with it but has only $18 which he puts down on it with the rest promised by 5:00 pm July 4. He and the other ranch hands believe they can win the money at the rodeo for the saddle while Victoria declares she is fed up with the men fighting. The men fail at the rodeo except for John. It doesn't look good for buying the saddle. Blue is shoved into sparring with one of the prize fighters for fun. However, when Blue breaks the fighter's jaw, it appears the fight will be called off until Buck nominates Blue to take the injured fighter's slot with the guarantee that if he wins, he earns enough for the saddle. The fight goes nearly thirty rounds when both men collapse. The fight is called a draw and all bets canceled. Blue and Victoria both end up winners when Blue finally agrees to Victoria's birthday present to him - the saddle.