Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-12-24
PAUL KRUGER's COWBOY DAYS
lie Was Famous Runner, Horseman
and Hunter.

On one occasion he ran a foot-race
against the pick of the Kaffir chiefs.
There were large prizes of good cattle.
1t was long whole days Jun across
country, past certain weIl-knoWn land
mafks-amongst others, his own
tatners house. Young Kruger soon dis
Iahced ali his pursueis, ana wren he
reached his fathers house he was 50
fal ahead that he went in and HAD some
coffee. His father, however, was so am
CRY at him for running across country
without his rife that he very near Y
save his SON a flogging. But he made
the boy take light rifle with him
When he LETT to finish his race.
On sped young Kruger, the Kattir
braves toiling after him as well AIS they
could. They threw away their imped-
lments as their muscles weakened
their path became streWn with shields.
spears, clubs, and even the bangles
they wore on their legs and arms. But
IN spite OF it all, Paul Kruger kept far
ahead II them; and as the DAY waned
he found himself so completely master
of the situation that he commenced To
look about for an antelope which he
might bring home by way of replen-
ishing the larder.
He saw through the tall grass
patch OF color, which made him think
that it belonged to a buck taking his
ease. He aimed and pulled the trigger
but the gun missed fire; and instead of
antelope, there bounded I'D a huge lion.
who had been disturbed by the sound.
The two faced each other, the lion glar-
ing at Kruger, and he returning that
glare by the steady gaze of his fearless
eyes. The lion retreaLed a few steps.
ana Kruger made as many steps for
ward; then Kruger commenced SLOW
ly taking one step backward followed
by third. But the lion followed every
move OF Kruger, keeping always the
same distance. This work was getting
to be very wearing, not to say danger
Gus, particularly so as darkness was
coming on and no sign of relief Slow
ly and cautiously Kruger prepared for
a second shot. He raised, aimed. and
pulled the trigger, but again there was
only the snap of the cap, and Kruger
saw himself face to face with a lion,
and no weapon but the stock of a use
less rifle. The last snap of the lock
had so Infatuated the wild beast that
ne made a spring into the air and land
ed close to Kruger's feet-so close, in
deed, that the earth was thrown up in
to his face, and he expected to be into
the animals grasp. He raised his gun
to deal the animal a blow, but at this
the lion retreated, glancing sulIenly
over his shoulder, until he was about
so yards away; then, as though by a
sudden impulse, the beast broke into a
furious gallop and disappeared over
the next hill
Kruger joyfully resumed his race, /
and, in spite of all that happened, cas- /
lily carried off the prize from the Kaffir I
chiefs. Kruger had no equal as a run
ner. He was also famous for his skill .
with the rife. Indeed, he would have
the best of Buffalo Bills .
outfit and given a good account of
himself. An old friend of Kruger told
me, Of his own knowledge, that Kruger
was once on horseback and chased by
an Infatuated buffalo. His horse was
4 good one, but on this occasion had
,9came rather fatigued, and the buffalo
commenced to gain. The unequal
chase promised to end disastrousIy for
he horse and it's rider, for the buffalo
Kept gaining, and would soon have its
horns in action. Then Kruger per-
,ormed a feat which his old friend de-