Volcano weekly ledger., 1855-12-29

IN removing the records by the march of an
overpowering force, he would then hunt him
down like wolf, and shoot him down with
out ceremony, or stab him in his bed or way
lay him in his walks Of recreation. He even
wrote the hero Of San Jacnto to that effect.
The latter replied in note of laconic
brevity.
If the people Of Austin do not send the
archives, | will certainly come and take
them; and if Colonel Morton can kill me. he
is welcome to my ear-eap."
On the reception of this answer, the guard
was doubled around the State-house. Chosen
sentinels were stationed along the road lead
ing to the Capitol, the military paraded the
streets from morning till night, and a select
caucus held permanent session in the city hall
In short everything betokened coming tenn
pest. One day, while matters were in this
precarious condition, the caucus at the city
hall were surprised by the sudden appearance
OF stranger whose mode of entering was as
extraordinary as his dress, He did not
knock at the closed door-he did not seek
admission there at ALL but climed unseen a
small bushy-topped live oak, which grew be-
side the wall, he leaped without sound or
warning, through lofty window. He was
cloathed altogether with buckskin, carried
long and very heavy rife in his hand, wore
at the button of his left suspender, a large
bowie knife, and had in his leathern belt
pair of pistols, half the length of his ride
He was tall, straight as an arrow, active as
panther in his motion, with dark complex
ion, and luxuriant hair, with a severe IRON
like countenance that seemed never to have
known smile, and eyes of intense, vivid
black, wild and rolling, and piercing as the
point of dagger. His advent inspired a
thrill of involuntary fear, and many present
unconscously grasped the handles Of their
side arms. WHO are you, that thus pre-
sumes to intrude among gentlemen, without
invitation?" demanded Colonel Morton, fero-
ciously essaying to COW down the stranger
with his eye.
"The latter returned his stare with COM
pound interest, and laid his long bony finger
on his lip, as sign-but of what, the spccta-
tors could not imagine
"Who are you? Speak! or will cut an
answer out of your heartw 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 dagger,
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 crazyl"
AT that moment Judge Webb, man of
shrewd intellect and courteous manners
stepped forward, and addressed the intruder
in more respectful manner:
"My good friend presume you have
made mistake in the house This is a pri-
vate meeting where none but members are
admitted"
The strange did not appear to comprehend
the words, but he could not fail to understand
the mild and deprecatory manner. His
rigid features relaxed, and moving to table
in the centre of the hall, where there were
traced one line: IL am deaf" He then
held it up before the spectators, as a sort of
natural apology of his own want of polite
ness.
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"
The other responded by delivering letter
inscribed on the back. "To 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:
EsLlOp Citiscns-Though in error, and
deceived by arts Of traitors, will give you
three days more 10 decide whether you sur
render the public archives At the end of
that time you will please let me know your
decision. SAM HoUsros.n
After the reading the deaf man waited a
few seconds, as if for reply; then turned
Morton interposCd and sternly beckoned him
back TO the table The stranger obeyed, and
Morton wrote:
You were brave enough tosinsult me by
your threatening looks ten minutes ago.. are
you-brave enough now to give me satisfac-
ton"
The stranger pcnneds his reply, al am at
your service"
Morton wrote again; "Who will be your
second"
The stranger rejoined: % am too gener
Gus to seek an advantage, and too brave. to
fear any on the part of others therefore, |
never need the aid of second" -
Colonel Morton penned Name your
terms" The stranger traced without d mo-
ments hesitation Time. sunset place, the
left bank of the Colorado, opposite Austin
weapons, rifles and distance one hundred
yards Do not fail to be in time"
He then took three steps across the aoor,
and disappeared through she window as he
entered