The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1897-08-11
II Cowboy VirtuoSo.
BY G. B. DUNHAM.
THE persistence of Mr.. Rhine jerks at

HE persistence OF Mr.. Rime jerks al
length received its due reward-he
was asked to fiddle for dance.
You may remember that this gentle
man, who was second to none when it
came to close quarters in the brand
ing-pen, or following wild calf
through the sage-brush, had not one
ounce of musical capacity in the 100 odd
pounds of his makeup, yet had par
ticular ambition and an unflagging zeal
to become a fiddler. The object of this
writing is to show that he received
ample returns upon the zeal invested,
but never attained to the ambition.
For SO many years that the memory
of man runneth not to the contrary,
he had packed violin in his bed-roll
on the annual roundup, and at every
opportunity, when the days work was
done, he rosined his bow. Throughout
the winter months, when work was
light and evenings long, he had prac-
ticed faithfully, if not intelligently, in
the bunk-house until banished by n
plebiscite to nearby dug-out, where
he found sacks of onions and bins of po-
tatoes more patient sufferers than the
general sitting-room afforded. In some
former year the outfit had boosted IA
man who could play any instrument"
and jerks, seeing how easy it was, de-
cided to become equally accomplished.
The violin was not his first choice, but
his first opportunity, and, having ac
Cepted it, his code of ethics bound him
to break the critter or break the cinch.
On the Goth of February there was a
leap-year dance at Richmond's. This
place was on hill in the border-land
between the open range and the settle
ments, and however much cowboys
might despise farmers and farmers de-
test cowboys, the social amenities were
rarely disturbed, and the country dance
was popular institution. My friend
Rice voiced the general sentiment thus:
Il like 'em because everybody is
a-le'ping and a-skipping, and if any
body falls down he gifts up again" The
plain inference from Mr.. Rice's state
ment is that at any other than a coun-
try dance if one falls down he stays
down-which might embarrass and en-
danger his betters. When | called
Rice's attention to this, he explained
that he meant Gin your mind. It's like
getting on to bucking horse any
morning after breakfast and being
dumped" he said. You don't mind it
much, but just tighten your cinch an
other hole and climb on again. But
suppose you are doing some fancy rid
ing or roping at the county fair and
your saddle gets emptied, why, you
feel SO low down you don't get over it
for week.
Our boys all went over to the dance
at Richmond's, and some one evidently
told the committee that Mr.. jerks was "a
competent fiddler, for soon after his ar
rival he was approached by bright
eyed young woman, who asked if he
had brought his violin.
NO, l did not" replied the startled
jerks, nervously lingering large piece
OF rosin which he produced from a
pocket; ''but if you want to use it, I'll
be very glad to go back to the ranch
and fetch it. 1t is only about 90 miles"
Il was told" said the girl, just slight
~ showing several white teeth, that
you carry your violin with wherever
you 60, and I'm sorry to find that it's
not true. Our music has disappointed
us; the house is full of people, and no.
body here to play for them but cello
and a mouth-organ. But think we can
get a violin within less than 20 miles.
and" here she showed him the full
set-"win you kindly play for us until
Mr.. Smith arrives?"
Miss, l should be delighted" said
jerks.
"Oh, thank you SO much" inter
posed the girl.
eff knew how" he continued, "but
/ don't. You see, I'm only learning. [
can just start few"
"Oh, l am sure you will do it well"