The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1890-05-22
Singleton and the Ball,

Mr.. q. B. Mortimer Singleton, when
sober, is one of the most peaceable men
in the State; but when, drunk, which is
frequently the case, he is disposed to be
quarrelsome. The other day having met
several friends, and having fingered with
them until he was not in condition to
60 home, be decided to walk through the
woods and across the fields until the
effect of the whiskey to some extent wore
away. He had proceeded Lut short
distance when he came to lot where
Anderson's furious bull was kept. 1t
required but little effort for Mr.. Single.
ton to remember the time when bull
chased him across Geld
"You needn't think I am afraid OF
you," said Singleton as be looked through
crack of the fence and frowned at the
bull: "You caught me one day when I
wasn't feeling very we'll, but l am not
afraid of you now, l want you to under
stand. You needn't shake your head at
me. First thing you know III come over
and kick whole side of sole leather off
you. Oh, I'm not afraid, I want you to
understand that. What's that?" The
bull had beloved. "Don't give me any
of your slack talk. Well, I'll show youl"
With that recklessness which cheap
whiskey inspires, Mr.. Singleton climbed
over the fence, and walked, as rapidly as
he could, tow ard the bull. The animal
was so astonished at the mans efronete-
ry that he stood perfectly still, gazing in
astonishment.
When within reach, Singleton kicked
the bull. The animal, losing his presence
of mind in consequence of such unprece
denied boldness, wheeled around and
ran. Singleton, with an air Of triumph,
and with loud EXPLANATIONS expressive
of his victory, turned and walked slowly
toward the fence. The bull, soon recov.
eripg his presence of mind, looked
around. Then his anger rose and poured
over him like a tub Of hot water. With
loud below, he started toward the in.
sulter. Singleton looked around, and 80
terrible was the aspect of the bull that
the foolish fellow, whose adventure had
somewhat sobered him, took to his heels.
Soon discovering that he could not reach
the fence in time to avoid personalities,
he turned aside and succeeded in climb
ing tree. The bull saw that he had
been foiled, but he did not despair, and
gazing upward he began marching around
the tree.
sSay," called Singleton. II want
you to 90 on and let me alone. 1
haven't time to fool around here
with YOU. Don't YOU hear what
say Ali right; next time [ won't let
you off so easily"
The bull lay down short distance
from the tree. Evening came. Single
ton shouted until he was hoarse. Night
came, bringing with it dark clouds. A
drenching rain begaa to fall, and by the
flashes of lightning Singleton could see
that the bull maintained his position.
When day dawned, Singleton saw that
the bull was still watching him. He
had strained his eyes until he could
scarcely see. Mr.. Singleton prayed.
The bull did not change position. The
day wore along, and the wretched man
thought that be must certainly starve to
death before aid could reach him.
The unfortunate mans family alarmed
the neighborhood, and an extensive
search was made. People thought that
Singleton, insane under the influence OF
liquor, had gone away somewhere and
killed himself Singleton thought that
he saw men going along the road, and
he shouted, but he was SO hoarse that he
could scarcely hear his own voice. Just
before the sun went down, some one
shouted:
Say, ..si Singleton, sg what are you doing
"For heavens sake," cried the wretch.
ed man, s''drive that bull away"
"What bull! !"
"Don't you see him out there2"
"No."
"What! don't see him there ?"
s'No, that's only bush covered with
dead leaves. Yonder's the bull, about a
half a mile across the pasture. He's been
over there all day"
Singleton came down from the tree.
He made public declaration to temper
auce and avowed his intention of becom-
ing lecturer; but whether be does OF
not, it is safe to presume that he will
never kick another bull. Such exer.
cises, according to Prof. Henry Godol.