Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1882-08-31
WALHALIA, SOUTH CAROLINA THURSDAY AUGUST 81, 1882

ring; but Joe had made the venture and
he was not going to be frightened from the
/ ring. On the farm at home he had con-
! quered mohy steer quite as wild and pow
erful as even this maddencd bull.
He was conscious that thousands Of eyes
were Watching him with eager interest, but
without hesitation he advanced toward tho
BULL coolly placing himself SO that, with
ono hand, he could grasp the bulls horn,
while with the other he could seize his
ehnggy name. The young man, meanwhile,
had leapcd to his feet and retired to safe
position, leaving Joe to fight tho bull
aone. Joe's mode of attack had never
before becn seen in Portugal, and it ap-
peared the extreme of folly. A murmur
Of rcHonstrauco was heard in every port
of the audience. Many cried out for tho
campinos to rush in aud rescue the rcck-
less youth. The bull did not seem to ap-
preoiato the turn events had taken aud for
a moment stood motionless. A strange
silence, almost ominous of dcfcut to our
hero, settled upon tho pavilion. 1t was
thrilling sccnc-tho brave sailor boy ap-
parcntly at the mercy of the furious animal
and thousands of spectators looking on
[ with breathlcss interest
Suddenly the bull recovered himself,
and, with an angry faunt of his head re-
newcd hosilities Joe quickly found that
clingiug to yardarm in tempest was less
difficult than to the bulls slippery horn;
but he was determined to be captain of this
lively craft. Somehow ho felt that the
honor of his country depended upon his
victory.
AS good seaman favors bis ship in
Ian k,, ~
bull. lie realized that he must take care
of his strength, for he would need it before
he got through with his antagonist. Now
the bull began to exhibit his wrath lie
writhcd and hooked and stamped. Ono
instant tho audience expected to sec poor
Joc dangling from his horns, and the next
tramplcd helpless beneath his feet. But
Joe clung as wo would cling to a lifeline
in fearful surf. During tho intervals
of the bulls violence, us in the water on
its cbb, he struck gallantly upon his feet.
Each time he did So cries of "Bravol
bravo!" rent tho air. Tho bull put forth
great power. Ilo plunged and tore around
tho ring. Alternately ho ojcrkcd and swung
Joo from his feet, aud fairly spun him
through the air Tho pavilion tossed aud
reclcd, and whirlcd before Joe's giddy
sight Round and round flew the bull Us
in rscc for lifc Several times he com.
pletcd the circuit of tho ring; circle Of
dust Iosc from his truck and lung over it
like wreath of smoke,
How Joe held OIL IIo feared he could
no. endure the shock and strain for n
minute longer anc he dreaded to let go.
But oil at once the bulls speed sackened
Joe felt thrill of gratitude as his feet
once more touched the ground. lie was
tired of flying and was very glad to run.
Tho bull, convinced that he could not
Iibcratc his horn from Joe's unyielding
grip, camo to halt aud with disappointed
anger began to paw the ground. Joe had
longcd for this advantage, which strange TO
say, n bull seldom gives till toward the close
OF fight, and he sprang directly in front of
him aud firmly grasped both his horns.
"Bravo! bravo!' rent the air. Joe braccd
himself and waited, and when the bull
threw his foot high in the air with its little
cloud of dust, by quick powerful move
mcnt, Joe twisted his head to one side so
strongly that the fierce animal was thrown
off his balance, and fell heavily upon his
side.
A score of men rushed in to hold him
| uo"h uh'li NC shouiu oc securely tbcu ne
was rolled and taken triumphantIy from the
ring. Joo was almost dcatencd by the ap-
plausc. lie suddenly found himself hero
in the estimation of the audience and was
overwhelmed by the ourbursts of cnthu
siasm. lie was not allowed TO leave the
ring until he had been led to tho royal box,
where the queen, with her own hand, passed
him beautiful bouquet. She also extended
to him an invitation to como to tho palace
where she herself would receive tho brave
American boy.-St Nicholas.