Texian Stomping Grounds Page: 69
162 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
RANCHO BUENA VISTA
aged to gather together a stock of cattle and several good horses.
It happened that on one occasion three Mexican thieves stole
some of his horses. He missed the animals almost immediately
and began to search for them. After traveling for a little while
through the brush, he saw their tracks in the dust and set out
after the thieves. He came upon them about dusk as they were
preparing their evening meal. Dismounting from his horse, he
shouted to them to surrender his animals. Instead, they opened
fire. He returned their fire, and one of the thieves fell dead.
The others fled.
Much perturbed over what he had done, he traveled back to
the ranch, where he arranged for the burial of the dead man.
Then he went down to Cotulla and gave himself up to the author-
ities for trial. He was released on bond. At the time of his trial
he was cleared. Returning to the ranch, he took up his peaceful
life again.
A few months later, two Texas Rangers presented themselves
at Buena Vista Ranch. These men were the terror of the Mexi-
can ranch country. It was generally believed that they shot first
and asked questions afterward. They were very civil and asked
for Don Pedro Fulano, who had killed a horse thief in defense
of his rights.
Don Florencio asked why the Rangers were seeking him.
They laughingly replied that they had never seen a Mexican
brave enough to stand up for his rights and would like to set
eyes on one. As they were passing through the country on their
rounds, this seemed a good opportunity to do so.
The tale did not ring true to Don Florencio. It was about
dinner time; so he asked the strangers to remain for the meal,
offering to take them over afterward. Much to his surprise, they
stayed and chatted in a friendly way over the meal.
But Don Florencio was worried. Calling aside his young son,
he said: "Saddle a horse, Donato, and ride to the ranch of
Tio Pedro. Tell him the 'rinches' are here asking about the kill-
ing of the horse thief, and, though they don't seem unfriendly,
I want to warn him."
Donato sped away unmolested. When he reached Tio Pedro
and gave his message, the man was between two fires. He had69
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
Texian Stomping Grounds (Book)
Collection containing sketches of post-war life in East Texas, including descriptions of early recreations and games, stories about Southern food and cooking, religious anecdotes, Negro folk tales, a first-hand account of a Negro folk play about the life of Christ, and other miscellaneous folklore. The index begins on page 159.
Relationship to this item: (Has Format)
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
Dobie, J. Frank (James Frank), 1888-1964. Texian Stomping Grounds, book, 1941; Dallas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc67663/m1/77/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Press.