The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1875-11-15
A HUNTERS TALE.
How n AIountnInrcr Captured u Wild Pony
md Killed II Puma.

How n ATountnlnrcr Captured u Wild Pony
md Killed II Pumu.
N. Z. Irving, the mountaineer hunter,
says the Rocky Mountain Nc,rS, recent
ly came into Colorado Springs from the
mountains, md reported tho discovery
Of pony in company with herd Of
bison known to rango among tho hills
about the northern base of Pixies Peak.
The pony had often been seen by other
hunters, leading the bison herd, and had
long been known as the property OF M
old citizen, now absent. Irving, believ-
ing that he could capture the pony, was
appointed by Justice Lyon deputy
constable for TINT purpose aud he nc.
cordingly left Colorado Springs mount,
ed on n mule, with. lariat, rifle, and
mountain outfit. About ten days after
ho returned, bringing with him the
pony.
His manner Of capturing tho animal
was an achievement that stands alone
among lariat. throwing exploits. The
third day out in the mountains lie dis
covered the pony in small park Of some
fifteen acres, together with several bison
and large herd OF elk. The pony, it
appears, was feeding little distance of
from the herd. Irving, by laying close
to the back Of his mule, md permitting
it to feed slowly along, succeeded in
getting between it and the other animal,
when he rose up in his saddle and give
IN uuearthly scream, at the same time
bearing down on the pony, which, with
snort aud bound, started of in MI
opposite direction from the now fright
ened herd. The bison and elk wero soon
out Of sight.
The pony took toward the southern
edge OF the park, where it disappeared
up deep, narrow, rocky canyon. Irv-
ing, finding it impossible 10 urge his
mule along the almost impossible gorge,
dismounted, and, leaving the animal Sc
cured to n tree; continued the pursuit OH
foot. For nearly two miles he followed
the devious course of tile canyon, which
in places was not moro than three feet
wide, its walls rising perpendicular to n
height Of several hundred feet. The
canyon unexpectedly opened into park
of some two or three hundred acrcs,
around which mountains rose with glad-
nal slopes, covered with dense growth
Of the piniou tree. Following the path
Of tho pony among the pinions, along
the base Of tho mountain, Irving was
startled by q strange noise, tho like Of
which he Ind never heard before, aud
which filed him with Il namelcSs dread.
He hastencd on, however, and soon
came upon tho pony, securely in the
power Of mountain lion, which had
fastened its teeth in its side, pulling it
down to the earth.
Iryings first movement was TO secure
the pony with his lariat, one end of
which was fastened to his belt. No
sooner hal he accomplished this than he
was discovered by the lion, which, loosen
ing its hold on tho pony, sank down by
its side in crouching attitude, with its
gaze fixed upon the hunter, and ready to
spring upon him with the crushing
power peculiar to the unimnl. With the
celebrity and accuracy Of the experienced
hunter, Irving sent u ball from his Win.
chester through the brain of tho lion,
which bounded through the mir with q
roar that might have been heard mile,
and quickly expired.
The pony, slightly injured, tugged
Justify ut the lariat in its efforts to re-
gain its freedom. But Irving says that
after reading the execution to him he
seemed TO give up, and became quite
iocile. The hide and head Of the lion
were secured by the hunter, and were
on exhibition at Colorado Springs. Tho
length of the animal from nose to tip OF
tail is eleven feet four inches. Tho pony
has been advertised at constitutes sale,
and many bidders arc awaiting the day
Of sale. 1t is n shaggy, vicious, Wild
looking animal.