Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1873-01-30
DUEL TO THE DEATH.

fornia 8 noble valleys, the great San JOa-
quin, enjoying its refreshing shade after a
toilsome journey Of some thirty miles, over
an arid PLAIN, and under u broiling sun.
had turned my horse loose, to crop some
ofthe luxuriaut filagree which covered the
plain for miles around, and caused it to
look like we'll kept lawn. The plain
was covered with animated beings. There
were lowing herds of half wild cattle, and
droves Of wild hors"s, antelope and elk, in
the hazy distance. There was caballada
of wild horses, and herd Of stately elk
at short distance from me, feeding by
the side of placid lake, in fancied secur-
ity. The lake was characteristic of Cali
fornia, which is 90 rich in all that IL
novel and beautiful; and over its broad
bosom myriads Of wild water fowl were
scattered in the greatest profusiou. There
was flock Of stately swans, sailing to and
fro like miniature fleet, and there were
geese, and ducks Of many species and va
| rious gaudy huee, mingling together in
seeming peace and friendship; and on the
banks there were herons. cranes and other
water fowl, supporting themselves en- 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 beads were visible. They had
gorged themselves on the fish which
swarmed in the lake, and were now Dosing
until next meal time.
And there are focks of large grey
birds, nearly a. tall as flamingoes, stalking
along tho margin Of the lake, like sentries
on picket There are the gruya, the wild
turkey Of the Hispauo American, and they
abound in North Mexico aud California.
And high up in the air, the eagle scared
and screamed, and occasionally darted
down to the snrface Of the lake after q
duck, or mayhap one Of tho finny tribe,
and if successful, bore it off to his home in
yonder blasted oak tree in whose TOD.
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. I remained
leaning against a tree, lost iu dreamy
reverie. when all at once xas aroused
by the deep baying of hound, faint and
far of, yet clear aud distinct. started up,
and looked around to see whence came
the sound. I could see nothing but tho
the horses and elk were bounding away
over the prarie, my horse came whining
up to me in alarm, the grqyas had taken
to wing, the eagle had ceased his scream
ing, ana even 'he l;stless storks had arous.
I'd themselves to listening attitude.
hear the bay again, it comes from the
north. 10 ast my eyes over tho plain q
second time. l SEQ moving figures there,
dimly outlined against the distant horizon;
! there are horsemeh-three of them-in
! pursuit of something about az large as ar,
OK, and it is running this way. The bay.
ing of the hounds grow louder a. they
approached, until they themselves came
into view, l. hurr1edly mounted my horse,
which is standing at my side, and then
whit so see the issue Of the chase. The
animal approsches-a large elk-and
closo behind the three horsemen ride in
eager pursuit. Two Of them are armed
with revolvers, while the third Carries
coiled up in hislhand long RATA. They
are oil admirably mounted, the first two
on large bas, while he Of the rist, be.
! strides a large iron gray Arab, of sup ,ro
carriage, with q long full tail, pointed at
the end and carried Ike the brush Of q run.
nlng fox. A splendid animal to look upon
whose every movement was graceful, and
plainly showed O vast amount OF reserved
Fower.
Even while in gallop, his neck slightly
curved, and his proud figure displayed
beauty called forth from me involuntary
expressions of admiration. 1t was obvious
this rider could overtake the elk whene ver
he chose to do 60. His horse was still in
gentle gallop, and, although the others
were doing their utmost, he easily kept
abreast of them. His rider was a tall
young man, of u peculiar athletic build,
! and very handsome. He was dressed
after the Mexican fashion. That he was
true hunter was obvious, and bis blue
eyes flashed, and his whole bearing was
E; that Of one who keenly enjoys the chase.
The other two were middle.sised men. in
the prime Of vigorous manhood; and
their dress, manners and appearance be.
spoke them men of the west
The elk was heading almost directly to.
wards me, and in few minutes he passed
me at lightning speed, with head erect,
and his wide spreading antlerh laying back
aimost against his haunches At this
juncture l sprang to saddle and joined in
the chase. As soon as / was within
speaking distance, l was accosted with
tho following words: "Hullo, Capt. wan,
to help catch that buck ?" "Yes;n I IN.
swered, I'll would like to be in at the
DEATH" call right, follow on. We
want to drive him down to the ri yer. go
it would be handler to get to the hacien.
da; for we expect the Chr;stiana IN the
river to-day with load Of supplies 70,
the ranch And wo could put him right
aboard" My attention was now drawn tt
the other horceman, who had been riding
some f,w PAGES off to the right. lie loos
ened bis grasp on the briole rein, and
commenced getting his RATA ready for y
cast: As soon as the horse felt the rei1
slack, he sprang forward ut double hi,
former pace. A fow Of those gigantic
bounds and he had left the dogs in the
dogs in the rear, and was close upon the
now doubly frightened buck, which wa.
striking in vain to hold it's own. He o.
tue RATA, whose name, as l was told BY
one OF the other horsemen, was Jim Cru
we'll, now dropped the rein, and it hung
loose on Charlie:s shoulder. lie whirleJ
the RATA around his head preparatory tt
launching 1t upon the horns of the quarry
tor u moment; the rope left his hand, and
lowering over tho head of the buck set
tied down upon his horns. As soon AZ the
horse saw the success "t the cast, nc turn
cd suddenly TO the left. stopped short. and
br.ced himself for the canning Jerk, The
ok, more terrified than ever at feeling the