Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-07-24


now
Alfonso heard this with heavy hea-t,
and he returned TO COrd0va q disap-
pointed boy. He took up his work with
as light heart as possible. but there
WAS \ heavy lump somewhere that Op-
pressed him He wanted 70 see Bella
once more. he was the only thing that
reminded him Of his early life in the
forest of COrdova-
II Was holiday in the city. and flags
nzsznted from every shop window and
public building The citizens were
gayly attired in their best suits. ano
music resOunded srom every square.
Cordova was to have a bull-aght-the
national sport of Spain Every body
enjoyed bulI-fight. and it was only on
festive occasions that they could wit
ness such fun The big arena where
the fight was 70 take place had been
cleaned and decked with bunting and
flags until il looked like a scene in a
play.
Some Of the largest and finest Of
Spzin's fighting bulls had been obtained
for the occasion Every thing thai
could make the fight success had been
promised the citizens
Alfonso had never witnessed bull
fight. but ne was 50 carried away with
the enthusiasm of Others around him
that he eagerly looked forward to the
anticipated sport Early in the day be
obtained seat among the poorer classes
] h -
watched the fair women and richly
dressed men file into the great boxes
near the main pavilion and be longing
" wished that he was Of their number
The trumpet note of warning soon
after sounded. and silence fell upon the
vast audience. The matad0res and plea
dones filed into the arena. and graceful
/ IL saluted the audience Then they
rode around the vast circle. and signi-
fed their readiness to begin the fight
The first victim Of the day was then
let into the arena IL was a large.
nerce-IOOling bull. with a shaggy head
and determined look in his eyes But
in spite Of his strength and ferceness
he was soon dispatched, after ne had
wounded one man and horse
Another one was brought out and
slillfnIly killed Three Others fol-
lowed and fought nobly for their lives.
amid the deafening applause of the null
tititude. Every one was enjoying the
sport
The great treat Of the day was tOcome
next A bull of exceptional size.
strength and aerceness was then
brought into the arena The animal
had received a name for bravery and
quickness that had preceded his arrival
in COndOva
All the men in the arena arranged
their blankets with greater care than
usual: fixed themselves more firmly in
their saddles and seized the handles OF
their swords or darts with a hrmer
grasp Every one felt that IL would be
long and fierce battle
The huge, shaggy-headed bull rushed
directly for the middle Of the circle. and
then paved the ground saTagely with
one hind hOOL A picadOre approached
the animal in front and tried TO attract
his attention Another one approached
from behind
Quick as a fash the animal wheeled
around. and before the picadOre could re-
treat the animal unseated- him and
gored him 10 death in the sand The
Others rushed to the rescue. but the bull
tossed them right and. left and escaped
from the general crowd
He stood at one side Of the arena def
antly watching the men. The bull
fighters approached him more cautious
" this time. and the assault was begun
slowly. But IN tho secon- round the
big bull came out victorious. and again
shook his head savzgely at the specta-
tors He was a fierce, ugiy-lOOking
brute As he stood there. with the blood
dripping from his horns. and none Of the
matad0res or picadOres were especially
anxious 70 get Fithin the animals reach.
They approached him in a body, each
ready TO help the other
At this Juncture, however. ! disturb
ance on one side Of the arena attracted
the attention Of the audience The bull
was standing with his back 10 Alfonso;
but the boy did not heed this lie did
not understand the rules and regula-
tions Of the fight. and without thinking
nN Jun - OH1lA NAN anu
lightly into the arena He rushed 20
ward the savage bull, shouting aloud:
Poor Bella. good Bella It Is Al
fonsO; don't you know me, Belia27
The bull turned his head. pricked mp
his ears. and then wheeled around and
trOtted up % the boy.
There vas a brcathless silence in the
vast amphithezter. and every one ex-
pected 70 see the little boy tossed up
into the air and killed The sight
made many shudder. and few Of the
ladies screamed But Alfonso was not
afraid. he recOgnized in the savage bull
his lost pet
Bella was no less glad 20 see the boy
than Alfonso was 20 see his pet In
stead Of tossing the boy up in the air.
the big animal approached hiI side. and
licked the boys hands aGecti0natsly.