Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-01-23
DCFI TO THE DEATH.

1t was early in the month of May, 1856,
that | was standing in the shade OF u
monster oak tree, in tie uobest Of Cali.
fornia noble valleys, the great San .Ioa-
ouin, ENJOYING Its refreshing shade after
toilsomc Journey Of some thirty miles, over
IN arid pialn, and under broling sun. |
had turned my horse loose, to crop some
OF the luxuriant filagree which covered the
plain for miles around, and caused it TO
look like a well kept lawn. The plain
was covered with animated beings. There
were lowing herds of half wild cattle, and
drovCs OF wild horses, antelope and elk, in
the huzy distance. There was a cabalada
Of wild horses, and herd of stately elk
at IA short distance from me, feeding by
the side OF placid lake, in faucied secur-
ity The lake was characteristic OF Cali
fornla, which is go rich in all that is
nov d and beautiful and over It's broad
bosom myriads of wild water fowl were
scattered IN the greatest profusion. There
was flock of stately swans, sailing to and
fro like i miniature fleet, and there were
geese, and ducks OF many species and va
rious gaudy hues, mingling together in
seeming peace and friendship and on the
banks there were herops, cranes and other
water fowl, supporting themselves ON one
leg, while the other was drawn up quite
out OF sight, under their long grey plum
age, and their necks were drawn in, until
only their heads were visible. They had
gorged themselves ON the fish which
swarmed in the lake, and were now doing
until next meal time.
And there are hOcks of large grey
birds, nearly as tall us tiamingoes, stalking
along the margin of the lake, like sentries
on picket. There are the gruya, the wild
turkey Of the Hispano American, and they
abound in North Mexico and California.
And high up in the air, the eagle scared
and screamed, and occasionally darted
down to the surface of the lake after
duck, or mayhnp one of the hnny tribe,
and ii successful, bore it off to his home in
yonder blasted oak tree in whose Top
most branches you observe great mass
Of dead wood.
| stood gazing around me for few mo-
ments on this lonely scene, and then at
the surrounding country. ! remained
leaning against tree, lost i'll dreamy
revere, when all at once gas aroused
by the deep haying Of hound, faint and
far of, vet clear and distinct. started up,
and looked around TO see whence came
the sound, could see nothing but the
the horses and elk were bounding away
over the prairie, my horse came whining
up to me IN alarm, the gruyas had taken
10 wing, the eagle had ceased his scream
ing, and even The listless storks had arous-
ed themselves TO a listening attitude. |
hear the bay again, it comes from the
north. lie asst my eyes over the plain a
second time, | see moving figures there,
dimly outlined against the distant horizon:
there are horsemeu three of them--m
pursuit OF something about rs large as an
OK, and II u running this way. The bay
ing Of the bounds grew louder as they
approached until they themselves came
into view, ! hurnedly mounted my horse,
winch is standing at my side, and then
wait SO see the issue OF the chase The
animal approaohes--a large elk-ard
close behind the three hcrsemen ride in
eager pursuit Two of them are armed
with reyolyevs, while the third carries
coiled up N his,hand n long RATA. They
are all admirably mounted, the first tive
on large bas, while he Of the riatl be-
strides aslarge iron gray Arab. of superb
carriage, with long full tail, pointed at
the end and carried Ike the brush of run
mng fox 4 splendid animal to look upon
whose every movement was graceful, and
plainly showed a vast amount OF reserved
power.
Even whiioln gallop, his neck slightly
curved, and hls proud figure displayed
against the smooth sward, his extreme
beauty called forth from me involuntary
expressions OF admiration. 1t was obvious
this rider could oyertake the elk Whenever
he chose 70 do 50. His horse WAS still in
gentle gallop, and, although the others
were doing their utmost, he easily kept
abreast OF them HIS rider was tall
young man, Of peculiar athletic build,
and very handsome He was dressed
after die Mexican fashion. That he was
u true hunter WAS obvious, and his blue
eyes flashed, and his whole bearing was
that of one who keeuly enjoys the chase.
The other two were middle-sized men, in
the prime Of vigorous manhood; and
their dress, manners and appearance be-
spoke them men of the west.
The elk MS heading almost directly to-