, 1889-08-15
HOT ON THE TRAIL.
Prairie Wolves the Object of One
Days Sport.
Several Hundred People Engage in
the Chase.
Dashing Horseback Riders and
Travellers in Carriages.
Barbecue and lmpromptu Picnic at
Chalk Bluffs.
Smoking Out a Den of Prairie
Wolves.

sport and fully equipped for the notable
chase, were astir bright and early yester-
day morning. Even before daylight en-
thusiasts were scurrying about completing
details for the big Journey. At $50
there were more people on the streets
than have been seen before at that hour
for months. The assortment was varied
and attractive.
Beating of the hoofs of galloping
horses brought.all who were awake out on
the streets. A large crowd collected on
the corner of Seventeenth and Ferguson
and another assemblage at the club. The
exhilerating air of the perfect morning and
anticipation of royal sport made all good
natured and each new conner was cor
daily greeted with the graceful familiarity
which obtains only in the Gladstone west,
where everyone is everyone else's friend.
Some OF the rigs provoked merriment
which was given vent in witty sallies.
Many OF the outfits, particularly those Of
a number of the mounted hunters and the
club men stunning. Horses of proven
speed and established endurance had been
specially fitted for the occasion. These
were gaily caparisoned and made pretty
typical pictures as they pranced about or
struggled for heads when galloped away.
1t was conceded that the fine animal rid
den by A. d. Adamson eclipsed all other
mounts, but there were twenty Others far
and away above the ordinary horses that
are not galloped over the prairies every
day.
The ladies' evinced deep interest in the
hunt. The Misses Whitcomb, Mrs. Ca.
rey, Mrs. Mason, Mrs. Hellman and
others were about early on fine steeds. 1t
was noted that these ladies did not seem
to at all mind the long ride and were IN
the van all the time.
Nearly all the hunters we're armed. OF
course the six-shooter, the sectional
weapon, pr~edominated. but many rifles
were carried and a few shot guns were
taken along.
Spectators were 10th to see the hunters
depart and they could not be considered
selfish, for the gathering in the city was an
unusual sight. If a single one there were
fifty horsemen on Ferguson street at $50
O'Clock and the assembly was a feast for
eyes fond of novelty. Once in a while a
spirited animal became unruly and inter
ested its rider while it entertained the big
audience. There we're several exhibitions
of magnificent Workmanship which were
recognized by hearty applause.
According the hunt schedule the town
party was due at the Organ ranch, a mile
away at 7 o'clock, but it was perhaps a
quarter of an hour later before the rare
cavalcade moved. At the first station
the hunters were received with that open
hearted hospitality which is a marked
characteristic of the owner. If a trife
had been forgotten it was supplied by
Mr.. Organ or his men. Eleven horses
were borrowed here, while needed
repairs we're made to vehicles, saddles
and harnsss injured in the first run for
place. Lunch was served to those who
wished refreshments. The town people
met here a number who had spent a pre-
vious night at the place.
The first line of riders was formed on
leaving the Organ ranch. Now com
menced the grand sport which con-
tributed largely to the days enjoyment.
To sight the first wolf was the ambition
of every hunter, and there was some glo-
rious racing up hill, down hill, over fats
and across %ravines. Every sprint was "tor
blood" as the fancy say, and at the finish
there was nj lack of applause. The ele-
ment of danger attendant upon cross
country riding made the fascinating sport
still more alluring.
Occasionally a sneaking. sleepy, coyote,
or a ferocious wolf, a positive n~egation of
the %''gaunt' wild dog of poesy, would be
scared up. The providers would be pur.
sued only a short distance, for no one pro-
posed to fatigue a horse when the plan
was to den the measly varmInts. Marks,
men in this party secured the brushes Of
four coyotes and a wolf.
The line from the Organ ranch Tapped
the outriders from N. r. Davis place
quite early in the morning, making a ten.
mile moving wall to the north and west oil
Chalk Bluffs the point of roundup The
Davis and Organ riders were acauaint
ancss and soon became fast friends. A
few match dashes cemented the common
kinship.
The ten mile line on either side of a
road dotted with c~onveyances moved
quite rapidly, the few incidents delaying
progress but little. At times there was 8
grand rush after timid rabbit, then {
fusilade Of shots and confusion of tongues
greeted the unexpected appearance of a
range pest. About each rig clustered q
bevy of riders and Joyous laughter foated
over the beauteous prairie. The sur
cleaned on fair women and brave men a