The Van Buren press., 1896-12-05
CHASING ANTELOPE.
How Some Tired Rounds kan Down One
of the Fleet Footed Animals.


of the Fleet Footed Animals.
The day of the antelope is fast war;
ing, but there are yet remnants of thu
large bands once SO numerous in the fax
west of America. Even at this day upoa
those magnificent prairies Of northwest
Nebraska may be found individual
types of the antelope which have evaded
every art of the most expert hunters.
They seem to remain around their once
unmolested haunts to defy the sports
man upon his swiftest horse and enjoy
Lis discontinue when he has given up
the race.
4 correspondent writing from Chad
ron, Neb., has an account of an Interest,"
ing chase after antelope. IA which he
participated recently. The hounds had
tired themselves out, it was thought, in
the morning, in q run after a coyote.
Realizing that the tired animals must
have rest before doing more, camp was
struck and the trip homeward began.
Aftef few hours drive an animal was
seen standing upon a high point about
a mile to the westward. A discussion
was entered into as to what 1t could be
and whether or not the tired hounds
could possibly be induced To malSe an
other run. This matter was settled,
though. when the animal turned, and
by showing it's white quarters assured
US that it was an antelope. No hesita-
ton now about q trial, but could these
already overworked dogs show any
speed? Would they, with their expert
ence, make the catch even should they
be swift enough? To be sure, they had
regained their wind while walking and
been somewhat rested without stand
ing still to become stiffened. and moth
ing could be lost by trial. After
hasty review of the situation the dogs
were trailed up a draw, unseen by the
antelope, which, in the meantime, had
walked over a ridge out Of sight.
When the dogs were brought within
sight of their game not mere than $50
yards lay between them. There was
an instantof surprise to both, while each
seemed to take in the situation Units
fullest magnitude. The antelope. true
to its instinct took every advantage OF
the topography of the country, while
the dogs, with almost human knowl-
edge of the ability of each and the fact
TINT there yaas new game worthy OF
their most desperate efforts and fleet
ness beyond their previous experience,
almost instantly arranged themselves
in a systematic phalanx, and the chase
began. The sensation of those who fol-
lowed can only be realized. Miles OF
prairie lay before them. Gieho, swift
almost as a meteor, was in the lead. fol-
lowed closely by Sport. Gresham,
Prince, Speed and others, while Slim,
swift as a glance of SUNLIGHT and sure
ly as bright, brought up the rear. The
riders wondered why he, that could out
Strip almost the whole pack, should be
trailing behind. Distance flew fast be-
meath their feet, with no gain for either
chased or chasing. Miles seemed TO
add to the excitement, and each indi-
yidual dog seemed to realize that he
was expected to distinguish himself.
The race, in its pace, a hot one, for
the fleeing animal was fleet almost be-
vond belief, gave noadvantage to either.
until the antelope, in an attempt TO take
advantage OF the lay of the country,
turned suddenly to the right. Then II
was that Slim, which so long had run
in the rear and had almost lost our re-
gard, took in the situation, and with a
phenomenal burst of speed shot through
the air at terrific pace, covering the
opening made by the turning antelope,
and with one magnificent bound
brought the antelope to the ground.
Perhaps those dogs are not respected;
perhaps they are not petted, but the
lovers of sport in the little town. Of
Chadron would go out of their way to
lavish caresses upon them.-Ameriean
Field.