The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-04-11

him in his bed, or w1ylay him in his
walks Of recreation He even wrote
the hero of San Jacnto to that effect.
The latter replied ina note of laconic
bravery:
eff the people of Austin do not send
the archives: shall certainly come and
take them; and if Co. Morton. can kill
me, he is welcome to my ear-cap."
On the reception of this answer, the
guard was doubled around the State
House. Chosen sentinels were stationed
along the road leading to the capital,
the military paraded the streets from
morning till night and select caucus
held permanent session in the city hall.
In short everything bctokened a coming
tempest.
One day, while matters Were in this
condition, the cancus at the
city hall was surprised by the sudden
of stranger, whose mode
of entering was as extraordinary as his
looks and dress. He did not knock at
the closed door-he did not seek admis-
sion there at all but climbing unseen
a small bushy-topped live oak, which
grew beside the wall, he leaped with
out sound or warning through lofty
window. He was clothed altogether
in buckskin. carried long and very
heavy rifle in his hand, wore at the
button of his left suspender a large
bowie knife, and had in his leathern
belt couple of pistols half the length
of his gun. He was tall, straight as an
arrow, active as a panther in his
motions, with dark complexion and
luxuriant jetty hair. with severe, iron
like countenance, that seemed never TO
have known smile, and eyes of intense
vivid black, wild and rolling. and pier
cling as the point of a dagger His
strange advent inspired thrill of in
voluntary fear, and many present un-
conciously grasped the handles Of their
side-arms.
"Who are you, that thus presumes
to intrude among gentlemen, without
invitation :" demanded Colonel Morton,
ferociously, essaying to cow down the
stranger with his eye.
The latter returned his stare with
compound interest. and laid his long
bony finger on his lip. as sign-but of
what the spectators could not imag-
inc.
Who are yous Speak! or I viii cut
an answer out of your hearth shouted
Morton, almost distracted with rage by
the cool, sneering gaze of the other who
now removed his finger from his lip
and laid it on the hilt of his monstrous
knife.
The fiery Colonel then drew his dag
ger, and was in the act of advancing
upon the stranger, when several caught
him and held him back, demonstrating.
"Let him alone, Morton, for Gods
sake. Do you not perceive that he is
crazy ~
At this moment Judge Webb, man
of shrewd intellect and courteous man
ners, stepped forward, and addressed the
intruder in most respectful manner:
"My good friend, l presume you have
made mistake in the house. This is
a private meeting where none bnt men,
bers are admitted
The stranger did not appear to COM
prehend the words. but he could not fail
to understand the mild and deprecatory
manner His rigid features relaxed,
and moving to a table in the centre OF
the hall, where there were materials
and implements for writing, he seized
a pen and traced one line: am deafn
He then held it up before the spectators
as sort Of natural apology for his own
want Of politeness.
Judge Webb took the paper, and wrote
a question Dear sir, will you be SO
obliging as to inform us what is your
business with the present meeting Z"
The other responded by delivering a
letter inscribed on the back: sTo the
citizens Of Austin" They broke the
seal and read it aloud. 1t was from
Houston, and showed the usual terse
brevity of his style:
1FELLow CrTIz1ks.-Though in error
and deceived by the arts Of traitors, I
will give you three days more to decide
whether You viii surrender the public
archives. At the end Of that time, you
will please let me know your decision.
SAN. HousroSn
After the reading, the deaf man
waited a few seconds Is if for the reply,
81 then turned and was about to leave
hall, when Colonel Morton inter-
posed, and s:ernly sbeckoned him back
to the tsble. The stranger obeycd, and
Morton wrote g You were brave en-
ough to insult ne BY your threatening
looks ten minutes ago arc you brave
enough now to give me satisfaction ~.
The stranger penned his reply q I
am at your servicep
Morton wrote again Who win be
your second :" =
The stranger rejoined 20 ! am too
generous to 81 IN advantage; and too
brave to fearany on the part Of others !;
/ never need the MD Of . Sec
ondp -. =. asssss
Mortonpenned: 1Nane yons terms."
The stranger traced, without : mo
ment's hesitation: Time SUNSET this
evening; place, the left bank a the
Colorad9 opposite Austin weapons.
rides; and distance, . hundred yards.
Do not fail 10 10 in time ~