The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1858-01-16

was Lall, stialSnt as al arrow, dcItVe -
paather in his motions, with dark cotu-
plexion and luxurient hair, severe, irdn
like countenanc that seemed never to
have known smile, and eyes Of intense,
vivid black-wild, rolling, and piercing
as the point of dagger. His strange
advent inspired thrill Of involuntary
fear, and many present unconsciously
graspcd the handles CT their side-arms.
"Who are you that presume to intrude
among gentlemen without invitation 7"
demanded Col. Morton, ferociously es-
saying to COW down the stranger with his
eyes. .-sas
The later returned his stare with CON-
pound interest, and laid his long hony
fingers on his lips as sign-but Of what,
the spectator could not imagine.
"Who are your Speak or will cut sn
answer out of your heart" shouted Nor
ton, almost distracted with rage, by the
cold, s1eering gaze Of the other, who row
removed his fingers from his lip. and laid
them on his dagger.
The Colonel drew his dagger and was
advancing when several caught him and
held him back, remonstratin -
Let him alone Morton, for Gods sake
Don't you see that he is crazy?"
At that moment, Judge Wehh, a man
of sirewd Intellect a1l courteous nan
ners, advanced and addressed the intru-
der in a most respectful manner.
my good friend | suppose you hav"
made mistake in the house. This is a
private meeting and none but members
are allowed to enter
The stranger did not appear to COM
prchend the words, but he could not fail
to understand the mild and deprecatory
manner His rigid features relaxed, and
moving to a table he wrote "I am deaf "
Judge Webb then took the pen and
wrote
"Dear Sir, will you be so obliging as
to inform us what is your business with
the present meetng'"
The other responded by delivering a
letter inscribed on the back, ITO citizens
OF Austin" They broke the seal, and
read aloud. 1t was from Houston and
showed his usual terse brevity of style:
"FELLow CIrIzENs-Though in error
and deceived by the arts of traitors, | will
give you thrce more days to decide whe-
thrr you viii surrender the public ar
chlves. At the end Of that time you viii
please let ne know your decision,
SAM. HousroS.
After reading, the deaf man waited a
few seconds, as if for reply, and then
turned and was about to leave the hall,
when Co Morton interposed and stcrnly
beconcd him back to the table The
stranger oboycd, and Morton wrote
you were brave enough to insult me
ty your threatening looks ten minutes
ago; are You brave enough now to give
satisfaction
The stranger pcnned his reply-"1
am at your service
Choose your second" said the Col,
The stranger replied-"I am too gen.
erous TO seek an advantage and too brave
to fear any on the part OF others; there
fore | need no second.
Morton then penned-:"What are your
| terms"
The stranger traced without n mo-
mcnt's hesitation-"Time sunset this
evening--place, the left bank Of the Col,
orado, opposite Austin-weapons, rifles
---dis.aucc, one hundred yards DO not
| fail to DC in time"
He then took three steps across the
fook, and disappeared through the win
dow as he had entered.
"What,' exclaimed Webb, sis it pcs
sible that you intend to fight that man?
He is mute, if he is not an absolute
maniac. fear it will tarnish the mstre
of your laurels.'
you are mistaken" replied Morton,
with smile; "that mute is hero whose