Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-12-09
THE TRAINED HOGSE.

From Clayvile to Booneton is about
fifteen miles across a rolling prairie, and
the road runs very near east and west.
Half -way between the two towns the road
is touched by a point where heavy
growth of pine trees sweep away to the
northward into dense, thick forest.
In the spring of 1912 a man left Clay
vile in the morning bound for Booneton.
His name was registered at the inn as
Richard Rizbee of New York, and he was
supposed to have money with him. He
left ClayviIle upon horseback in fine
health and spirits, but he was never seen
in Boonetou. Perhaps he had, unnoticed
gone part of the way and then returned.
at all events ne was never heard of more
In that district.
About a month after that man from
st. Louis left Booneton for Clayville.
He was also on horseback, and started
off well and hearty; but he never report
ad himself at his place of destination.
Within fortnight after his second dis
appearance two more travellers were also
missed. What did it mean? The road
between the two towns was direct, and
not even byway was there to lead any
one astray, so that to wander from the
true path was i'm possible.
During the month of July three travel
ers were missed; and the people turned
ont in a body to earch. Of course at
tention was directed to the wood, and
the search was extended for miles and
miles, but without success. Aug. 4 a
Young man, who gave his name at Clay
Vile as Michael Dupont of New Orleans,
left the place for Bonneton. He was on
hon Of
of the road only laughed at them. He
said he had a good horse and good weap-
ons, and he was not in the least afraid.
But Michael Dupont never reached
BoonetOn.
It was on the 10th of August that ar
rived at Clayvills and put up at the vii
lage inn. [ was on the track of two
rogues who had robbed the bank at Jack
son. And then / heard the story of the
travellers who had so mysteriously dis
appeared from the road that lay before
me.
When I had gone some five or six miles
the next morning l noticed that my
hoe began TO falter, and IN little while
afterward he came 30 walk and seemed
to be in great pain. Imagining that ne
would soon fall, [ slipped from the sad
die andled him out upon the grass at the
side of the road. As | stood thus, wond-
ering what in the world I should do, saw
a man coming toward me from the dir
ection of Booneton. He was seated on a
powerful black horse without any saddle
and his only bride was bit OF rope
passed around the animals nose. He
was a simple looking fellow, dressed III
an ordinary farming garb, and had be-
L. a tSNh orl0 lin.
ary Dag. As he came near to where
stood / saw him G Their his halter as
though he meant to put his horse to g
run.
Hello" I cried. "Stop moment"
The fellow seemed to consider it, and
finally turned his horses head toward me
and soon dismounted by my side.
'I've heard a great deal bout this road,
he said, cycling me from top to toe, IAN
like to be keerful. Met with a fall, Ell
stranger?"
"Not exactly fall,"I said. my horse
seems to have given in"
The fellow walked all around NY quiv
ering beast, and when he came back ht
put his hand upon the animals throa
and gave him sharp punch. The horse
started back with grunt, and directl.
began to heave and to SLAYER at thu
mouth.
''You don't belong to these parts, strang
er, he said.
NO. told him.
s'I though not" he added. II CUES
your boss must have been eating deer
tail"
/ asked him what that was.
sits kind o poison" he answered
ethat bosses pick up hereabouts. Hell
be alright tomorrow, or next day at tn
farthest."
''If that's the CASE" said, ''perhap
you'll let me bargain for yours"
81 never owned anything yet that
wouldn't sell if a man wanted it morel
/ did, he replied.
"Weu,' / said, sand may | ask VIVA
price you set upon your beast?"
''Just $70.''
had expected him to say 800. [ too
him at his offer in a moment. The bal
gain was made; counted out seven 81