Gardnerville record. (Gardnerville, Nev.) 1898-1902, 1901-11-01
That Persistent Bull.

had not noticed The bull followed me
and stood glaring down on Inc. My
position was a most ignoble one. l
dared not try to regain an upright po-
sltion, for on the slightest movement
the bulls horns were threateningly low
cred toward me. | tried by shouting
at him to dive him away. but as that
only produced n renewal on his part of
the attempt to get at me with his horns
was soon obliged to desist.
| had often heard Of the power of the
human eye to overawe savage animals,
and fixed my eyes upon him In man.
ner that l thought ought to have the
desired effect. But either this power
has been overrated or the circumstances
were not favorable, for the bull regard
ed my efforts with perfect contempt
Finally | made up my mind to remain
quite still, in the hope that he would
soon get tired and 20 and leave me, but
the bull was a pertlnacious bull and
had evidently made up his mind to see
the affair out. Ny position was every
moment getting more irksome, and, be-
sides. it was humiliating in the ex-
treme. fact of which the bull seemed
perfectly aware, for he regarded me
with a contemptuous look that was
very provoking.
However, there was nothing to do
but remain where | was till something
occurred to relieve me of the animals
presence. l should be missed at the
nj Ia
that could happen was that might
have to remain as | was all night, when
some of the men would be sure to come
and relieve me.
There are few things | cannot make
up my mind to when | know they are
inevitable. and, though not pleasant
alternative, | soon made up mine to
this. | even made an attempt to go off
10 sleep, when, TO my discomfort, 1t be-
gan TO rain. This was decidedly un-
pleasant, but | was getting reckless.
oh, yes" | exclaimed in Il satirical
Tone rain by all MEANS do" And it
did.
My attention was now called to the
behavior of the bull. He began to sniff
the air. paving the ground and tossing
up his head in a manner expressive of
triumph and demoniac joy. This look
ed like bearing malice. and to mortify
the brute | endeavored to appear as If
found the rain rather pleasant and
refreshing than otherwise. But | did
the noble animal an injustice. He was
above any petty feeling of qualification
at my mere physical discomfort. for he
knew that the rain would place me in
his power
Ii was some time before | could real
lze this fact. The ditch was beginning
to fill with water. and my discomfort
was becoming intense. But looked as
cheerful as | could In order to deceive
the bull. Suddenly it flashed upon me
that the ditch would soon be full of
water. and that l must either remain
At the bottom and be drowned or come
out and fall victim to my enemy.
To say that this discovery filed me
with dlsmay is but feebly to express
my feelings. | turned my eyes despair
ingly to the sky. There was no COM
fort there. The dull. leaden hue which
II presented showed that there was no
chance of the rain abating. | had been
In some desperate and disagreeable sit
uations during my life. but they all
appeared easy and agreeable in COM
parison with this. What was to do?
The ditch was filling up rapidly. and
the question demanded an immediate
solution. 4 dozen wild and impossible
projects flashed through my brain: but,
after all. there was but one thing to be
done.
| must face the bull.
looked up at him.
lie was waiting for me.
He was paving the ground impa-
tlently. his tail was erect. his head
slightly lowered, and there was wild
look in his eye that was appalling.
My heart sank within me. But there
was no help for it. IL must screw my
courage up to the sticking point"
said. And | smiled grimly and with
some self admiration at this mild and
harmless but. alas. obvious witticism.
What welcome sound Is that which
meets my ear?
"Coo-o-ey. coo-o-eyw shrill, clear and
distinct and at no great distance.
"Coo-o-ey. coo-o-ey"' | respond at the
utmost stretch of my voice.
The next moment | have sprung
from the ditch. the bull has charged
me. lie has missed, and | have caught
hold of his tail. Round and round we
go, holding. on with desperation and
he vainly striving to get at me. But
two horsemen suddenly appear upon
the scene. There Is a great deal of
shouting and imprecations; the bull re-
ceiyes three or four heavy blows upon
the head with loaded whip, and in
few minutes he lies bleeding upon the
ground.
An hour afterward | am snug In the
hut at the station. Over steaning
glass am relating to an admiring
gronp of station hands the details of
the desperate battle which fought for
upward of two hours with the bull, and
meet with much sympathy in my
modification at being interrupted just
when | had him in my power and was
going in" 10 finish hlm.-New York
News.