The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-18

Vufu the DFOicD WIZ WuDu U1R Iett Hkbbu,
and for tho second time the maj Just saved
his life by extrcme agility. More kicking
now ensuod, aud clouds Of dust rose up
which made u very difficult to roe exactly
what WAS happening. All ut once ] heard
Ezskiel give an exclamation and swenr q
deer and vigorous oath. and presently J
saw TINT one OF the cirths, tho thinner oil
the two, had split across. The dangling
ends nc the bronco's sides seemed to infuri-
ate him. and his leaps and kicks sensibly in
creased. Now came u sharp click on either
eide Of mo. and Col. Jenson spoke.
Draw. BOYS. and cover him.. We must
no! lose another life. Fire when ! give the
word, every one"
There was u quick movement on the sta
bic roof. and ten reviewers flashed out Of
their sheaths and ten fingers were pressed
upon the trigger. waiting for the word.
II WAS n death struggle now. IL there
were u ilaw IN the remaining eirth. II the
strap or buckle failed, the saddle would 80
and Joe be ut the bronco's mercy, uuless
these pistols did their work in time. But
the girth held CALAMITY, and ut last the
bronco began TO tire and We began to
breathe again. / could SEQ Joe clearly now.
The signs of battle had begun to appear.
He was one mass Of dirt from top to toe.
His right arm had received n deep cash.
either from the colts teeth or heels, II
WAS smeared with blood from elbow to
wrist. His face was pale and worn. his
head bent wearily. as il be were in pain;
but his eyes were clear and vigilant. and he
sat the enemy as firmly as ever. l began to
hope that the worst part OF the struggle
was over, for Joe had gained a tighter hold
upon the bridle and the bronco's head was
we'll drawn in, as if he we're yielding to
control. He paced backward, slowly, until
he touched one side of the corral, and there
he stood a moment painting as II exhausted.
Now o new phase in the struggle began.
All this time Jos had played a passive part.
49, -.~. -. A1tA HI. rDknexa hn
would and how he would. feeling at the
bride now and then but without making
any determined attempt to check his mad
~frolics.. At this point, however, he sudden
~ seemed to wake into life and action. He
drew in the bride with . powerful wrench.
twisted the bronco's head from the Wall OF
the corral, and then. for the first time.
drove in his spurs with a will. The answer
was q violent lit OF %bucking, and ! expected
every moment to see the second girth split.
1t held. however. and the buckinR present
ly subsidized. But there was to be no rest
now. In went the spurs again, and
away went bronco, capering, twist,
ing. spinning around this way and
that, leaping. kicking. rearing, as actively
as ever. The same process was re-
psated several times. and after each bout
Joe's head bent lower over his saddle bow,
his face very painful to see. But he
never faltered, and at length the time came
when the touch of the spur drove the colt
round the corral instead Of into the air, and
began to feel that an end would come
some time. Once Joe even stopped to
stroke the foam-fecked neck Of the pony
caressingly; and as he did SO the animal
still, his ears pricked forward, his
eyes free from vicious devilment. Soon
after this, when the colt had been guided
right round the corral without bucking
once, Joe turned to look at US and spoke
for the first time. His voice was SO weak
and faint that it made me start.
He'll do. Drop the bars"
There WAS a rush and scramble OF cow
boys to the gate, and . clear way WAS made.
The last critical moment was now at hand.
Joe guided the bronco gently toward the
At first the animal sweryed from it
peryersely, but once through a new life
seemed to rush to his limbs, and he began
to Drance and chafe at the bit. Once again
Joe drew himself together, q spasm of pain
passed over his face. as he Strengthened his
back; then he loosened the bride, and
lightly flicked the bronco OF the flank The
pony shook himself and pounded forward;
he did not try to lower his head and buck.
Another touch Of the quirt and a word of
encouragement. He reared, 0svo one last
and then swept into a long stretch
ing gallop. The cowboys gave a loud cheer;
Joe waved his hand as he sped away, and in
, few minutes horse and rider had disap-
peared behind a roll of prairie.
Col. Jenson heaved a huge sigh of relief.
"Of now for twenty miles; and the job
well done. BY thunder! that cuss is sandy
tie backbone. What say to it, friendY'
We spent a merry time for a couple of
hours and then sailed out in q body to
meet the hero on his return. We had not
far to go. Joe had run the bronco until his
pace was spent and was now retracing his
steps at q walk. He said he was not hurt,
but when questioned owned that every
joint and muscle of his pack IND limbs
seemed to be twisted out of shape.
AS for the bronco, when Joe had ridden
to the ranch, and had been lifted off and
into bed, for he could not walk, l
vas ordered to mount-being the worst
present-and ride to the stable.
This | did with fearful inward quaIms, and
no London cab horse could nave been
than our demon of the afternoon.
1t must not be supposed, however, that
with this the breaking was completed. The
bronco WAS ridden daily for weeks by an
rough rider, and more han
once the old spirit of devilment flashed out
endangered his riders life. But Joe
earned his $50 we'll. Before six
months that bronco was the best saddle
in Jack Jenson's stable.