Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1877-08-02

After one or two unsuccessful casts,
he threw the moose dexterously around
the fore legs of the furious horse, and
forcibly jerking the rope backward,
threw him to the ground with such
violence as to stun him for moment.
In that brief space of time the daring
youth slipped on the headstaIl, placed
the bit in the mouth of. the unscon-
scious animal, and sprang upon his
back Recovering himself in mo-
ment, the wild horse sprang into the
air with the ferocious bound of a pam
ther. As he came to the ground, Ana
tonic gave him both spurs rowel deep.
Then the frantic creature reared upon
his hind legs and shook him violently.
As he toppled down from this dan
gerous attitude again he felt the cold
steel deep within his fanks. Then he
dashed for the barricade, seeking to
crush his riders limbs against the pill
lars !; but the firm hand of Antonio
held him to the wall, while the rowels
played their part again. The furious
struggle at last ended in submission
on the part of the wild horse The
white foam stood upon the glossy
hide; he trembled with q newborn
fear. Then rang the air with deaf
ening brayos, while the victor, calm
and imperturable, compelled the van-
quished animal to move around the
arena, now stepping slowly, now
dashing forward at trot, and now
moving onward in gallop. At word
from his master, the black horse halt
ed motionless before the chair of state
and Antonio sat gazing sternly at
Martelli.
"Antonio," said the signor, rising,
1--WE declare you the victor of the day
and herewith present you with the sill
yer cross"
Antonio leaned forward over his
horses neck, and taking the bauble,
raised it to his lips.
I" As the symbol of our faith, he
he said, II do it this reverence. As
the gift of a peuured villain, l
cast it at his feet"
And with these words he threw the
cross contemporary ut the feet of
Martelli.
Dog" cried the feudal lord
"die in thy treason!' and drawing
his sword, he aimed thrust at the
heart of his vassal.
Antonio swcrved, the blade grazed
his side without intilcting a wound.
Before MartellT could recover himself
the horseman had cast his lasso, and
with the moose around the neck of his
feudal lord wheeled his horse and
striking him with the spurs, dashed
at full gallop into the centre of the
ring.
A dozen men-at arms rushed upon
him at once, but at Antonio's cry Of
s. Corsica to the rescue" q band of
armed mountaineers sprang into the
arena and gave battle to the myrmi-
dons of Martelli. The struggle was
short and decisive-victory remained
with the Corsicans. As the last soldier
laid down his arms, Il man of veuer-
able aspect advanced and ascended
the throne of Martelli.
"Corsicans!" cried Antonio, fling
ing himself from his horse, and kueel-
ing at the foot of the throne, {. be-
hold your rightful lord, whose place
yonder villain had too long usurped.
Homage to the noble Visconti, your
rightfnl suzerain!"
The plaudits of the assembled null
titude testified their joy.
g Thanks, friends said Visconti,
smiling graoiously. "And thou, An
tonic, rise. Thou shalt be my friend
rather than my vassal. 1t shall be
my care to recompense thy fealty.
Meanwhile, yonder stands the bride
thou hast so nobly won. In her arms
forget the pcrils of to-day"
The brave Antonio needed no
second bidding to send him to the
side of the beautiful maiden; and
that night their fortunes were united
in the chapel of their feudal lord.