Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-02-13
The Black Decoy;
or \ Ride For Life.

Il guess | never told you about that
horse. did ~ asked Major Maxwell,
IN old veteran of the American war, as
he pointed out a large black horse that
was quietly feeding in the pasture just
across the road. That is the famous
Black Decoy; and he cost me an even
thousand dollars, to say nothing of the
yexation and the peril attending his
purchase.
Il bought him out in the mountains
II WAS before the war. L had two good
arms then. and this leg wasn't stick
was on escort duty. Something had
happeued TO some of the wagons, and
the train lav in camp day for repairs.
Nearly all the boys went out after buff
faloes. but nv horse was lame, so re-
mained ia camp.
There was only one companionable
person left with me, and that was old
Jacob Stockton. He was going out to
Montana. to meet his daughter. He had
been in Montana for years, leaving his
child with friends in the East. and early
in the spring he went TO visit her. He
found, however. that she had gone to
visit him. so he hurried back, and by
chance Joined the train was escorting,
We had become very good friends.
and al every opportunity l sought his
company. and was always well repaid.
ION that day found him stretched
Al full length under tree, pulling away
at his old black pipe. | followed his
example, excepting the pipe, and was
soon an interested listener to the old
gentleman's tales of travel and adven-
ture.
In the midst of one of his most ex-
citing narrations, he started unexpect-
edly to his feet, eXclaiming:
The Black Decoy, as sure rs | live.
! wonder what ill-luck is coming TO Us
now:''
Il quickly changed my recumbent
position for one better suited for obser-
walton, and saw, coming towards camp,
a stranger riding one horse and leading
another.
There was nothing remarkable
about the stranger, nor the animal he
rode: but the led horse was the most
perfect thing in the way Of horse-flesh
| ever saw. was smitten at once. My
loor bay. though he had served me
faithfully for year or more, looked
like cart horse by the side of this
splendid black: and decided at once
that if this animal could be bought for
money. would buy him.
Don't do it, major, said old Jacob,
although had not spoken a word. i
had rather see you astride Bengal IL
ger. than that horse, with all its beau
Iy.'
Beauty - | exclaimed. why, Mr.
Stockton, that word does not half ex-
press it. He is absolutely incompara-
ble, | will give round thousand for
Just that black horse, aud consider II
chenp. too
Don't think of it, MAJOR cried
cried the old man, grasping my arm as
rose TO my feet. 81 wouldn't ride
nor own that horse for the whole OF
Montana-no, not if every stone were
pure gold,''
Pooh. nv friend, you are wild! III
ride him, and buy him, too, if L can.
The old man shook his head"
"'Major, if you know when you are
well Oft, you'll not go nigh him"
Your reasons said |, halfvexed at
his superstiIiOns."
'''I have but one.'" he replied sol
emnly. "'If you mount that horse,you
are no better than dead man."
Il laughed outright
You have forgotten the text, Jacob;
Death comes on a pale horse"
"Black or white, you will find 1t as
| say, MAJOR
BY this time the new conner was
within speaking distance. | Lated hlm
and went ont to where he stopped. IL
was no hard matter to trade with him;
and in less than ten minutes L was
leading the horse away, and the seller
was riding OFF with thousand dollars
added TO his pocket-money. /
Anxious to try my new purchase,
saddled and bridled him, and mounted.
"'Major, majori don't do it ~
Il had forgotten old Jacob; but there
lie stood, holding the horse by the bri-
die. ~ "a
"'Major, you viii certainly ride to
your death ,'''
Il was too much excited TO pay any
attention to his words; and, touching
The horse lightly with my sharp Mexi-
can spurs, left the old man still Tx
ing to me.
NV beautiful black went charmingly-
never had an easier seat; add never
saw horse that could get over the
ground with less exertion. Twice one
thousand dollars would not have taken
him from me.
AT the start | gave the horse free
elm. and he took a northerly course to-
wards the mountains In this way l
rode several miles; but the nea-ness OF
the sun to the zenith, and the admoni-
tions of my inner man reminded me
that it was time to return. accord
ingly drew rein; but, instead of wheel
ing about. the horse broke into gal
iop. nearly unseating me.
81 had hitherto prided myself on my