The Fallon standard. (Fallon, Nev.) 1920-1958, 1921-06-15
UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS IN
AN UNUSUAL COMMUNITY

- - . . - ---- = -~-----~ ~~~-
Buster, the French bull dog be-
longing To J. A. Rankin. Lahontan
gate tender, engaged big rattle
snake in rather sanguinary conflict
on last Wednesday afternoon, and
when the battle was concluded the
reptile was dead Buster suffered
two stings on his head as a result
of infighting, to use pugllistic par
lance. yet he came to town with
Mr.. Rankin on the day following,
and stalked about apparently proud
of the scars of battle which admir-
ing friends inspected, Buster had
a badly swelled noodle and being a
French bull never did count beauty
as a characteristic. The dog for
merly belonged to Dan Callahan, of
the Fallon S. & S. market.
As Mr.. Rankin reeounted the epi-
sode Buster is genuine hero. The
women and children of Lahontan
had formed a wading party on the
hot afternoon Buster went along
as is his wont on such occasions
Barefooted children were all about,
including the little six year old son
Of Mr.. and Mrs. Rankin. This little
fellow was moving along the reser-
yoir's shore line and walked to
within striking distance OF the rat
tier without seeing the snake.
Buster sensed his danger and ran
in between the boy and the snake
receiving the poisonous fangs in his
jowl TO a French bull attack
means fight and he went to close
quarters receiving another sting be-
fore aid reached him from the wo-
men members of the party.
The snake was an unusually large
one and 1t is certain that only
Busters heroism saved his little
master from a very painful and pos
sible fatal sting.
Rattlesnakes are unknown in the
irrigated area of the Newlands pro-
ject, yet may be found throughout
this period of the year in the foot
hill sections surrounding this val
ley They are killed frequently in
the Lahontan reservoir vicinity but
this is the first time In the history
of the village that any one was in
danger OF being stung.
The story is told by truthful
man that not long ago as Failon
history Is reckoned a rather portly
woman drove into town to take train
for distant point where she plan
ned to visit relatives. Upon reach
ing Maine street her team ran away
and In the melee she was thrown
forward from her seat and fell to
the ground, fortunately escaping
serious injury Making her
way TO telephone booth she
phoned her husband of the occur
renee. advising him to come to town
and gather up the team, and wagon
remnants, later going to a local ho-
tel where she engaged passage In
the bus to the depot. The driver
was barely around the corner from
the hotel. headed for the depot
when small boy threw a nre
cracker in the direction of the bus
and the team of horses lunged for
ward violently in an effort to escape
from the control of the driver.
Deputy Assessor ollie Walcott was
driving and when he had regained
control of the horses he looked
about and his single outgoing pas
senger was regaining her feet in
the middle of the street, aud was
under her own steam, brushing the
dust away as she arose. did the
fall hurt you?" inquired Mr.. Wal
colt. mo, | am not hurt as yet"
gasped the fat woman; "but hope
l will be able to get aboard the train
without further unusual happen
ings."
/, III