But that one thing I dreaded.

I dreaded it very seriously.
There was a possibility that the bull might not think of it, but there were greater chances that he would.

I made up my mind what I would do in case he did.

It was a little over forty feet to the ground from where I sat.

I cautiously unwound the lariat from the pommel of my saddle----" "Your saddle?
Did you take your saddle up in the tree with you ?" "Take it up in the tree with me?
Why, how you talk.