The Winslow mail., 1897-09-18
tanned BY A WOMAN

Arizona's most noted bucker was
reared on Jack Mitchelfs ranch in
Lonesome valley, not many:miles ifrom
Prescott.
In the main he was handsome
beast, stood sixteen hands tfiush, and
weighed 1,400 pounds. But, his head
was bowed like a barrel stave, and set
with small, misshapen eyes, that
glared with a devilish light.
The colt took Il great fancysto Mitch
ellis daughter Nell. 1t soon, learned to
follow her about as dog, and would
come on run for a lump of sugar or
bite of bread when she whistled. Nell
broke him in so gradually and by such
gentle means that by the end of his
third year she could saddle and ride
Black Wolf anywhere.
But on her going away to school
Mitchell thought it about time to reap
the profits of his money and care.
There were any number of standing
offers ranging up as high ASSOC. Mat
ters stood undecided until one day a
Prescott swell chanced to stop at the
ranch. He offered $400 spot cash, and
the deal was closed, with the under
standing that the horse was to be de-
livered as soon as properly gated.
So next morning Mitchell told one of
his stock hands to throw a saddle up
on Black Wolf and finish him up" Not
dreaming of any trouble with a pet
Golf tbo vO11no follow wont a hOl1t his
task with whistle and song. But hard
ly had he touched the saddle before
Black Wolf sent him sprawlipg
through the air, to the astonishment Of
everybody.
Then the regular "broncho buster"
mounted, but after a short struggle he
was thrown and nearly killed. No one
else on the place dared make the trial.
Jack Mitchell was as mad as hor-
net and sent around for the best riders
in the country, and promised to give
$50 to any man that would conquer the
horse. But one and all they were
thrown.
Finally Bill Zant, a Jerome teamster,
came along and bought Black Wolf for
wheeler" He said he guessed the
locoed fool could not do much damage
in a twenty-mule team.
And to the surprise Of everybody,
Black Wolf took willingly to harness.
In six months he was the stoutest
puller in Yavapai County. But no
one beside Bill could do a thing with
him. 1t was worth any other mans
life to go into his stall.
Some time during the following sum-
mer "Broncho Charley" came over
from California. He had conceived the
idea of going on the road with wild
west show. His plan was to form his
troupe and give the first performance
in Prescott.
About over the ranges he skirmished,
picking up riders, ropers and rifle shots,
besides dozen or SO of spoiled horses
that the owners were glad to be rid of
at any price. Then, engaging a few
wild steers, and striking . bargain
with some Hualapai braves, Broncho
Charley rented a fiat on the edge of
the town and set the day.
Moreover, he placed 500 in the bank,
and advertised far and wide that it
was to be paid to anyone bringing in a
horse which could not be ridden by
either himself or his men.
But hardly had the mountain breezes
begun to futter the handbills along
Montezuma street before friend came
and whispered something in the show
mans ear. Without stopping for any,
thing else Charley mounted horse
and spared not spur nor quirt until he
drew rein at Bill Zant's camp. With
little ceremony Charley said that he
had heard of Black Wolf, and that he
wanted him for the wild west show.
Well, said Bill, seeing as how [
ain't a-using him just now, guess it's
all right But you don't want to let
him kill anybody"
Black Wolf was led forth ready far
the trial.
"Now, fork him and I'll jerk off TIE
blind" said Bill.
Charley did manage to catch both
stirrups. but that is all he remembered
until Bill picked him up bruised and
bleeding from Il corner of the corral
Think he'll do" asked Bill, with q
grim smile.
Yes; guess so. But for heavens
sake don't say word about this; 1t
would spoil everything
And Broncho Charley, with fallen
crest, led the horse tC Prescott by a
rounda bout trail.
First thing next morning Charley
had another lot of handbills printed
saying that, aside from his first onie.r,
he would give $3.50 to any person who
would successfully ride a certain
horse belonging to his outfit.
Finally the time rolled round for the
opening of the great fete. The taird
and last day was set for the broncho
riding. BY an hour past noon the
grandstand was packed to suffoca:iOn;
even the roof lent its puny aid in seat
ing the crowds, while the fence fol 100
yards each side budded with boys.
At last, in all the glory of bucksisin,
song hair and siX-shooters, Broncho
Charley rode into the inclosure aud an
lounced that the first contest would be
or the $100 prize. "Now," he said,
bring on your buckers."