Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1897-08-18
would successfully ride a certain


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 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 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 muscle until all was ready,
when suddenly he sprang high into the
air. Then he followed with three ire
mendous jumps to the right, and at the
eft turn flung Charley, long hair, buck
skin and six-shooters In one confused
head over the five bar fence.
And 1t looked for O while as IL this
horse would win the prize for his own
or, but he gave up after fiinging 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 free saddle
rolls and bucking straps are barred.
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 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 Black
Wolff Too well they knew what that
name meant.
For while 1t seemed as IL 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, TIE 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 nlbbling grass.
The Mexican felt of his spurs. Then,
catching the horn in both hands, he
sprang lightly into the saddle. Bill
jerked off the blind and jumped out of
the way.
Just n moment the horse glanced
about him--just q moment quiyered
from head to foot; then, dropping his
head between his forefeet, he shot up
ward like 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 OPP
posite direction and shaking himself
like wet dog to loosen the hold of the
raking spurs. One more jump, and the
Mexican was flung whirling 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 n
hole, tossed his hat to n 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. Pvt Doc was not overconfident.
81 easy defeat III the other contest
ants unnervod him for he knew them
20 be no ordinary ders. Worse than
nil. he was handicapped by a wide
reputation. In his heart he wished he
had stayed at home.
But 1t was too late to back out now.
SO taking n swallow of water. he flung
away his hat and went to the middle
of the ring. where Black Wolf. though
blindfolded, was paving the earth and
snorting fiercely.