d not end so fortunately for met happened in
the fall of I 887 when the country was yet comparatively new to the
cattle business. I rode out one day in company with a cowboy to look
after strays and, incidentally, to watch for any game that might chance
to cross our path. We rode through seemingly endless meadows of fine
gramma grass and saw the sleek cattle feeding on plenty and enjoying
perfect contentment. Game, also, seemed to be abundant but very shy
and as we were not particularly hunting that kind of stock, we forebore
giving chase or firing at long range.

After riding about among the hills back of the Pinaleno ranch and not
finding anything we concluded to return home. On starting back we
separated and took different routes, going by two parallel ravines in
order to cover more ground in our search. I had not gone far until I
found the cattle we were looking for going to water on the home trail.
Jogging on slowly after them and enjoying the beauty of the landscape,
I unexpectedly caught a glimpse of a deer lying down under a mesquite
tree on the brow of a distant hill. I was in plain sight of the deer,
which was either asleep or heedless of danger as it paid no attention
whatever to my presence.

Deer and antelope soon become accustomed to horses and cattle and often
mix and feed familiarly with the stock grazing on the open range. The
deer did not change its position as I quietly rode by and out of sight
behind the hill. There I dismounted and stalked the quarry on foot,
cautiously making my way up the side of the hill to a point where I
would be within easy shooting distance. As I stood up to locate the
deer it jumped to its feet and was ready to make off, but before it
could start a shot from my Winchester put a bullet through its head,
and it scarcely moved after it fell. The deer was in good condition
and replenished our depleted ranch larder with some choice venison
steaks. The head, also, was a fine one the horns being just out of
velvet and each antler five pointed, was saved and mounted.

The shot and my lusty halloo soon brought my cowboy friend to the spot.
Together we eviscerated the animal and prepared to pack it to camp on
my horse. As we were lifting it upon his back the bronco gave a
vicious kick which hit me in the left knee and knocked me down. The
blow, though severe, glanced off so that no bone was broken. What made
the horse kick was a mystery as he was considered safe and ha