River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-01-24
DUEL TO THE DEATH.

1t was early in the month of May, 1856
that / was standing in the shade OF a
monster oak tree, in the noblest of Cali
fOrniI' noble valleys, the great San Joa.
quin, enjoying Its refreshing shade after a
toilsome Journey Of some thirty miles, over
an arid PLAN, and under broiling 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 well kept lawn. The plain
was covered with animated beings. There
we're lowing herds of half wild cattle, and
droves OF wild horses, antelope and elk, in
the hazy distance. There was caballada
Of wild horses, and herd of stately elk
at a short distance from me, feeding by
the side Of placid lake, in faucied secur-
ity. The lake was characteristic of Cali
fOrnia, which is so rich in all that is
novel and beautiful and over its broad
bosom myriads of wild water fowl were
scattered in the greatest profusion. There
was a flock Of stately swans, sailing to and
fro like miniature feet, 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 herons, 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 neeks 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 focks Of large grey
birds, nearly as tall as famingoes, stalking
along the margin of the lake, like sentries
on picket. There are the gruya, the wild
turkey Of the Ilispano 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 surface Of the lake after a
duck, or mayhap one of the fnny tribe,
and il successful, bore it off to his home in
yonder blasted eak 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 "A tree, lost III dreamy
reverie. when all at once | Nas aroused
by the deep baying Of hound, faint and
far Oft, yet 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 tho 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 listening attitude.
hear The bay again, it comes from the
north. lie asst my eyes over the plain a
second time. | sec moving figures there,
dimly outlined against the distant horizon
there are horsemen- three OF them-iu
pursuit of something about as large as al
OK, and il is running this way. The bay
ING Of the hounds grew louder as they
approached, until they themselves eamt
into view, hurredly mounted my horse
which is standing at my side, and ther
wait so see the issue OF the chase. The
animal approaches large elk-arC
close behind the three horsemen ride il
eager pursuit Two Of them are armed
with reyolyers, while the third carries
coiled mp in his.hand long riata The,
are all admirably mounted, the first tw,
on large has, while he Of III" riatl be
strides allarge iron gray Arab, Of support
carriage, with a long full tail, pointed al
the end and carried ike the brush Of a run
nng fox. A splendid animal to look upor
whose every movement was graceful, an,
plainly showed vast amount Of reserved
power.
Even while in gallop, his neck slight,
curved, and his proud figure displayed
against the smooth sward, his eytrem,
beauty called forth from me involuntar,
expressions Of admiration. IL was obvious
this rider could oyertake the elk whenever
he chose 70 do SO. Ills horse WAS still il
gentle gallop, and, although the otheri
were doing their utmost, he easily KEEP
abreast OF them Ms rider was tai
young man, Of n peculiar athletic build
aud very handsome. lie was dressed
after the Mexican fashion. That he wa,
a true hunter was obvious, and his blue
eyes flashed, and his whole bearing wa,
that Of one who keenly enjoys the chase
The other two were middle.SiTed men, in
the prime Of vigorous manhood; and
their dress, manners and appearance he.
spoke them men Of the west
The elk was heading almost directly 70.