noon
`` Red '' Earnest , from Waugh 's ranch on the Frio , was the first entry in the relay race . He had a good mount of eight Spanish horses which he rode bareback , making many of his changes in less than fifteen seconds apiece , and finishing full three minutes under the time limit . The feat was cheered to the echo , I joining with the rest , and numerous friendly bets were made that the time would not be lowered that day . Two other riders rode before the noon recess , only one of whom came under the time limit , and his time was a minute over Earnest 's record . Miss Jean had camped the ambulance in sight of the field , and kept open house to all comers . Suspecting that she would have Mrs. Hunter and Esther for lunch , if they were present , I avoided our party and took dinner with Mrs. Booth . Meanwhile Uncle Lance detailed Deweese and Happersett to handle my horses , allowing us five vaqueros , and distributing the other men as assistants to our other three contestants .