Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-08-19
would successfully ride a certain
horso halonpin, tn his outfit

uCTSC W AAo oNeAs'
Finally the time rolled round for the
opening Of the great fete. The third
and last day was set for the broncho
riding. By an hour past noon the
grandstand was packed to suffocation;
even the roof lent its puny aid in seat
ing the crowds, while the fence for 100
yards each side budded with boys.
At last, in all the glory of buckskin,
long hair and siX-shooters, Broncho
Charley rode into the Enclosure and an
nounced that the first contest would be
for the 500 prize. "Now," he said,
bring on your buckers."
They were led in one at n time.
Coyote Dan, Buckskin Hellion and
Black Canyon Paint, that showed five
feet Of daylight under his feet every
time he left the ground, and u dozen
others-all big, ugly brutes. Not a
horse among them that was not old at
the business, and onto all the tricks OF
the range. Bakers Terror was
brought in last. He stood like lamb
as easy to saddle as an old gentle
horse. Broncho Charley was eager to
show his skill. Now was his time to
gain cheap glory.
He mounted. Terror stood without
moving a muscle until all was ready.
when suddenly he sprang high into the
air. Then he followed with three trc-
mendous jumps to the right, and at the
left turn flung Charley, long hair, buck
skin and siX-shooters in one confused
head over the five bar fence.
And it looked for while as If this
horse would win the prize for his own
er, but he gave up after tlinging two of
the best men in the outfit.
And now, after an intermission, the
humble Snowman rode out and pro.
nounced the second contest:
Anybody that can ride the horse I'm
about to bring into the ring will be
given check for $3.50, which is on de-
post in the Cactus bank. Mind you,
he must be ridden with a free saddle
rolls and bucking straps are barped
Now, come on, you crack riders, and
try your skill; here comes the horse"
At this everybody looked toward the
entrance to see Bill Zant leading Black
Wolf into the ring. Up went a wild
shout At once fell the hopes Of all the
local riders, while those from distant
parts Of the territory groaned and
turned pale when the crowd began
shouting, "Hurrah for Bill Zant's Elacls
Wolf" Too well they knew what that
name meant.
For while it seemed as if no con.
testants were going to appear. Finally
three came forward-a Californian, a
Mexican and Doc Bright, the self.
styled king of Southern Arizona COW.
boys.
At the drawing Of straws for turns
the Mexican drew first mount, the Cali
fornian second and Doc Bright last.
Black Wolf suspected something
when the cinches were frightened. but
he merely smelled Of his masters hand
and went to nibbling grass.
The Mexican felt of his spurs. Then
sprang lightly into the saddle. Bill
ierked off the blind and jumped out OF
the way.
Just a moment the horse glanced
about him-just Il moment quivered
from head to foot; then, dropping his
head between his forefeet, he shot up
ward like a rocket. and, with marvel
Gus agility, wheeled end for end in
midair.
Hardly had he landed before he was
off again, this time wheeling in the op
posite direction and shaking himself
like wet dog to loosen the hold of the
raking spurs. One more jump, and the
Mexican was flung whirlin2 to the
ground, where he lay until some of his
companions carried him unconscious
out of the ring.
Catching the horse again, Bill called
to the Californian to take his medicine
The young fellow hesitated. Then re-
Numbering that the honor of his State
must be upheld he drew up his belt a
hole, tossed his hat to a friend and
bounded into the saddle like cat.
But, alas! Two of those fearful side
sweeps pitched CALIFORNIA; honor
headlong into heap Of sand. And
CALIFORNIA; honor narrowly escaped a
broken neck.
Wildly the Arizona faction cheered
over this defeat. Their man only was
left, and he might possibly win the
day. He was fresh, while the horse
must certainly be the worse after buck.
ing two rounds.
And now, as the territory's pride
walked into the ring, the assembled
hundreds went beside themselves with
joy. But Doe was not overconiident
The easy defeat of the other contest
ants unneryed him, for he knew them
to be no ordinary riders. Worse than
all, he was handicapped by wide
reputation. In his heart he wished he
had stayed at home.
But it was too late to back out now
So taking swallow of water. he flung