The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-09-08
Dicks Horse Trade

lCHAKD LONG, or Long Dick,
III as he is better known, is a peculiar
character that only the great western
prairies could have produced. Brave to
recklessness, shrewd and cunning, humor-
GUS and witty, a good rider and faultless
trailer, he was looked up to by his COM
rades and considered kind of oracle in
all matters pertaining to prairie lore.
But to those who knew him in life,
words are needless and those who did
not, could gain but faint idea of his
character and traits were an entire column
spent in describing them. AS to the in
cident that follows, we can vouch for it's
being truthful in every particular.
Long Dick was a passionate lover of
horsehesh, and was never content unless
he possessed the swiftest and best animal
in the vicinity, and for some months he
had been "cock of the walk" his latest
acquisitions deep chestnut sorrel-easily
defeating all that had been pitted against
him as yet.
But one day Dick was taken down peg
Or two, in the following manner: AS he
was putting his horse through its PAGES on
the parade-ground, new conner pressed
through the crowd and began initiating
him.
This was a comely brave of the Pawnee
tribe. He bestrode large, clean-limbed,
silver-grey stallion a specimen of equine
beauty that caused the eyes of more than
one present 70 sparkle covetously.
And then its movements-so smooth,
like clock-work, and guided only by it's
riders knees, as his body swayed to and
fro Long Dick looked and scowled. He
saw that he had met dangerous GUS
toner.
A move of his hand parted the crowd
from before him, and long stretch of
level prairie, smooth and clear of obstruc-
tions, was revealed. The eyes of the Paw
nee sparlzled with glee as he noted this
action of Dicks, and then the rivals drew
up alongside.
With wild yell Dick sank spurs rowel
deep into the flanlxs of the chestnut, which
sprang ahead like dart. The Pawnee
laughed aloud and checked his fretting
horse, until Long Dick was fully hundred
yards ahead. Then with shrill yell he
dropped the reins, and gave his steed free
head.
With wonder we saw the hitherto in
vincible chestnut gained upon, then
caught and before half-mile had been
trayersed, the grey stallion fairly rode
around his rival, uttering shrill neigh as
of triumph. 1t was sad hour for Dick,
and he slowly rode back to the crowd,
crest-fallen, while the Indian put the grey
through its PAGES.
Dick resolved to possess that horse, if
it cost him everything he was worth in the
world. But he seemed doomed to disap-
pointment. His offers were all rejected,
until next day, as he was Showing OFF,
his shooting powers at long range, using
an English rifle belonging to Captain s..
The Pawnee was standing by deeply
interested, and after time signified de-
sire to try the rifle. Dick consented, and
few shots set the redskin fairly wild for
the gun. Finally he offered his grey stall
lion for it. Dicks eyes flashed with joy,
but then dulled, for he knew how highly
the rifle was priced by Captain S., and
that score of horses could not buy it.
However, he put the Indian off for a
time, and presently sought the officer.
"Say cap" he began, how much will
you take for the shooter?''
"More than you can raise, Dick. /
wouldn't sell it for years salary 1t
saved my life once, when my hair had
fairly started, and the man who held the
rife was nearly halfa-mile away. shall
keep it as long as live"
"But then lend it to me. Tell you what
I'll do. I'll give you twenty dollars If you
lend me the gun for one week"
"What do you want of it, Dick ?"
"You know that grey hoss want to
trade it for him." was the cool reply.
"You get out the rifles worth dozen
such p
81 know it--but I'll bring it back
Give you Long Dicks word"
The captain, curious, tried to ascertain
what the scout was up to, but Dick kept
dark. He would only promise that the
rifle should be returned within one week.
His word was bond, and all who knew
him knew that He never promised mole
than he could perform. So the matter
ended for the time, by the captains con-
senting to his plans. whatever they might
be.