The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-09-17
A Daring Decd of Horsemanship.
A MEXICAN SKETCH.

I'll you leel disposed to risk a doubloon---
am but poor hunter and caunot place
more l shall attempt what muclacito of
ten years would consider feat pcrhaps."
"And what may that be SEM, CaL;lero p
asked tho other snceringly.
II will check my horse at full gallon on
the brow of yonlcr clir.'
"Within two lengths from the bow"
"Witbin two leuglhs-less the same dis,
tance that is traced here, on the banks OF
the Sequail
The surprise created by this announce
ment held the bystandcrs fer some moments
III silence. 1t WAS IA proposal Of such wild
reckless and daring that it WAS difficult 10
believe that the maker Of it MAS in earnest.
Even the two officers were for Il moment,
staggered by it aud inclined to fancy til.
Caba!ero was not serious, but mockinr
them.
The cliff to which Carlos had pointed
was part Of the bluff that hcmmcd in the
valley. 1t was rromontory, however, that
jutted ont from a general line, so as to be
conspicuous object from the plain below.
It's brow was Of equal height with tho rest OF
the precipicc Of whicl, it was parl-a sort
Of buttress; and grassy turf that appeared
along its edge was but the continuation of
the upper plateau. Its front to the valley
was vertical without terrace or ledge, ,ho
horizontal seams traversiny its face
showed qualification Of lime and sandstone
alternately with each other. From the
sward upon the valley to the brow above
the heights was 1000 feet short. 10 gaze
up to it was trial to delicate nerves, to
look down put the stou,cst to the proof
All stood watching him with anxious eyes
Every movement was noted. lie first
allghted from the saddle, stripped of his
manga, had it carried back and placed out
OF the way. lie next looked at his spurs,
to see If the straps were properly bulcklcd
After the he retired his sash, and placed
the sombrero firmly on his head. lie but
toned his velvet catzomers down nearly TO
his ankles, so that their leather buttons
might not flag open and liscommcde him.
His bunting knife along with the whip he
gave to the charge of Don Juan. His at,
tention IVES next turned to the horse that
stood this time with his neck curved proud
ly as though he OWNED that he was TO be
called upon for some signal service. The
great bit-an Mamelu-was carefully cx-
amined lest there might be some flaw or
crack in tho steele. The head strap was
buckled to its proper tightncss, and then
the reins were minutely scanned. These
were the hair of a wild horses tail closely
and neatly plated. The SADDLE now had
its turn. Passing from side to side Carlos
tried both stirrup-leatlcrs, and examined
the great wooden-blocks which formed the
stirrups. The grth was the last as well as
the most important object OF his solicitude.
He loosened the buckles from on both sides
and then tightencd them, using his knee to
effect his purpose. When drawn to his
liking, the tip Of his finger could not have
been passed under the strong leather band.
No wonder lie observed all this caution,
as the swapping of strap, or the slipping
OF buckle, might have hurled him into
eternity. Having satisfied himself l!,at all
was right, lie gathered up the rcins and
leaped lively into the saddle.
lie first directed his morse on walk
along the cliff, within few feat Of lis edge.
This was 10 strengthen both himself and the
animal. Presently the walk became trot,
and then gentle canter. Even this was
an exhibition fearful to behold. TO those
regarding it from below, it was beautiful
but terrible spectacle. Afer While he
headed back towards the plain, and then
stretching into gallop-ibe gait in which
lie intended to approach the clifr-hc sud-
denly reined up again SO as 10 throw his
horse nearly on his TANKS.
Again he resumed the same gaiop, and
again reined up; and this mancruvre, he
repeated about dozen times, now with
his horses head turned towards the cliff:
and now in the direction Of the plain. At
last ne was seen to turn his horses head to.
ward the cliff, and take his frmcst scat in
the saddle. The determined glanccs of his
eye showed that the moment had come
touch for the final. A slight touch of The
spur set the noble brute in motion, and in a
moment he was in full gallop, and heading
directly for the cliff9-Thc suspense was Of
short duration. Twenty strides brought
ahorse and horseman close to the verge.
within half dozen lengths. The rein still
hung loose, Carlos dare not tighten it, a
touch he knew would bring lis horse to a
halt, and that before lie had crossed the
Z line, would only be failure. Another
leap, another. 1Io! he is inside. Great
God he will be over!
Just asthe horse appeared about to spring
EoFoY tbe lorrid brink tl,a ro;,, . u