The Opelousas courier., 1890-10-25

jealous sscnuror Is 1mpailed. A low cry
Of horror runs through the throng as the
mans liyid, agonized face rises and falls
with the bulls tossing head. At last he
drops to the ground almost lifeless. He
Is instantly covered by M~azzantini's man
tie, which comes like the wings of q
protecting spirit. The bull again leaves
his helpless victim for the bit of red
color. Thunders of applause greet Luis's
successful play and its author kneels lii
bravado on one knee before the enraged
bull himself.
This may not be bravery; 1t certainly
Is not cowardice. The unconscious VIC
linn of the sport is carried hastily to the
hospital and the game goes on. The mis-
hap Is soon forgotten in the excitement
Of the day and is only recalled when the
unfortunate man is later ondrawn around
the ring, still alive, and reclining In o
barouche.
Again the bugle brays, and now the
banderillero awaits with banderilla In
either hand the critical moment. Tho
bull has seen him and curio usly watches
bis every movement. The sunlight play
Ing on the mans golden embroideries
and On the brute's red shoulders and
aeaving TANKS presents a scene that is
altogether an interesting one. The crowd
Is as still as death. Like a flying Mer-
curry the baaderillero leaps forward. A
run and man and beast meet, and the
bull, believing with rage, vainly tries to
ling off the stinging darts which have
been deity stuck in his shoulders. He
charges here, he rushes there, only to be
bafied at every point. A second ban
derillero plays his part and other darts
pierce the bulls side. A third then
follows, for the etiquette demands that
every bull have three pairs of banderillas
TO adorn his smarting shoulders.
Again tho bugle calls, and the great
third aud last act is to be played. The.
hatador, with blade and cloak in hand,
doffs his cap, and mutters this chant:
toast your worship,
Your noble country.
The people Of the place,
And the strangers.
BY d graceful sweep of the arm the
matador casts his cap behind him and
goes forth to battle.
The crowd now prepares for the chief
event. The espada's every motion is
followed by ten thousand eyes. Warily
be approaches the beast his red cloak
open in his left hand. The animal
charges the red object fercely, but in
vain, for flashing over his horns it faunts
before his puzzled eyes. Now this way,
now that, he turns and twists, enraged
by this will-o'-the wisp. Raging, foam
ing, painting he strives to pierce it with
his horns. uHolel maestro, muy bien,
muY bein," admiringly comments the
crowd as with the red mantle the espade
makes his various passes in rapid and
brilliant succession.
And now the fatal moment has come.
The bull stands squarely on his four
feet, sscuadrado," they call it. With
lowered head he watches the red flag.
Legartiio stands sideways to him and
raises his keen blade to level with his
eve. He takes aim calmly along the
edge. of the shining steel. The
auivering cape holds the brute's atten-
ton. One step forward and the blade is
buried to the hilt between the monsters
shoulders. "a wild yell of enthusiasm
bursts from thousands of Threats, for the
certain. thrust has reached the heart, and
quivering In every limb the dying brute
gazes from reproachful eyes upon his
heartless slayers.
tAnd heavily down with his vast weight he
falls
AZ when uprooted falls d hollow pine
On E~rynaanthns or Mount Ida's sIde.o
A shower of sombreros futtered into
the ring, but each Is deity flung back
again by the proud victor Of the fight.
Cigars fall like leaves at his feet and are
gathered BY the subordinate actors in the
great national sport. The music plays,
ssmaestro'f makes d triumphant circuit OF
the plaza, bowling to the compliments OF
the people, while at the crowds insist.
ance an ear of the bull is presented him
az d mernento Of his skillful stroke.
The mule teams then gallop into the
arena, with flashing tassels and jingling
bells, and quickly the slain are dragged
away.
TIE second bull is q great stupid brute
that, enticed from the pen by . waving
handkerchief, stands indifferently cycling
the turmoil about him. Mantles are
Jung IN bis face, but only arouse him to
momentary ire. ssFueral fueral" tawal
with him, away, shout the people as ha
SHES al The horses and refuses q contest
with the lance. Bat the President viii
not order his withdrawal; the beast must
remain.
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