Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-02-25
A THRILLING SKETCH.
BY CHARLES sUMMERFIELD.

The beautiful little town of Van Bu-
rem, on the Arkansas river, near the
Cherokee line, during its early history,
was famous for the number and ferocity
of its desperadoes, being the principal
meridian and focus of rendezvous for
gamblers, Indian traders and all sorts
of adventurers who had found it neces-
sary to change their domicile from lands
governed by rigid criminal code The
halfbreed braves from the Cherokee
nation all flocked to the same site, to
drink, carouse and take hand at cards,
and exhibit their powers in sanguinary
"set-to's" with pistols aud long knives.
Such state of society may be imag-
ined--it cannot be described Not sun
that performed its circuit that did not
witness some dreadful single combat with
or without murderous weapons, while
now and then dozens at a time and by
mutual agreement, from the rum shop
out in the public square, engaged in
mortal strife.
At this period Thomas A. Myers emf
grated to Arkansas, and opened large
grocery store at Van Buren, acting him
self as keeper and retailer Such an
occupation at that time required man
of the most determined courage, as the
store had always back-room or shed at.
tached, specially appropriated to gam
bling, both by day and night, and where
the players were supplied with the
choicest liquors at the bar, and would
be sure to bully the grocer out OF his
reasonable charges, unless restrained by
fear.
For while, however, Myers succeeded
admirably. The halfbreeds, loafers, and
chartered fighters" as they called
themselves, held caucus, and unani-
mously voted that the new arrival was a
dangerous subject and had better be loft
alone. This verdict was altogether owing
to the strangers personal appearance,
as military as might well be conceived.
Tall, manly, and symmetrical in shape
with great endowments both of strength
and agility, he would have had few
equals in the arms of naked nature. But
by the cunning inventions of art, iron,
steel, and lead, and the thunder and
lightning Of gun.powder, are made to
Gcht for the feeblest bosom, and thus
dwarfs and giants, provided both are
alike the heirs Of true courage, now stand
on the same dead level. 1t was believed
also that Myers possessed the resolute
will 10 handle those awful engines
of destruction where life and death hung
ON the touch OF . trigger. His counte-
nance betokened the perfection of brave
nv His face wore generally stern ex-
nression, and when that melted into
smile. the smile seemed sterner still
His ewes we're exceedingly black, wild,
penetrating and restless, and had that
cold cleaning metallic look which may
be regarded as the surest sign of desper-
alton Besides he carried an appalling
supply Of pistols aud bowie-kniie four
teen inches in the blade. Hence every
body was respectful and ebligng to the
ostensible hero for a period Of several
weeks, during which an unusual calm
reigned throughout the village
At length q terrible affray occurred at
MYERS grocery. Half dozen fire-arm
exploded in quick succession, aud the
deafeuing roar SO frightened the keeper
that he took to bis heels and fled from
Ills own establishment The fact settled
pubic opinion as to his character.
"What a chicken-hoarted coward to
run from his own castle" exclaimed
General Cole. the Napoleon Of frontier
duelists and gamblers,
"Why, he hasn't the spunk OF dead
possum lisped Bill Green. ths dRRdy
loafer, combing his soap locks " with
his long rosy nails.
nIefs drink his liquor and smoke his
cigars and not pay him for them, be-
ca1se. AS how he's a coward, said Jack
Warbawk. huge half-breed, and haviHg
enuneiaied this anathema Of genuine
Cherokee logic, Jack leaped over the
counter and began to Ell glasses and
hand ont cigars, erying-" Toast u the
Irava my boys Well never want
,vb;Ie tbs world has chickens Of the
white feather
The firing in the grocery having
ceased for more than an hour, being re- J
placed by q din Of most boisterous
mirth, Myers, by great sfoFi. musiered
the spirit to return. be found the Gus
TONERS helping themselves with a ven
ceapce. and thought to overcome them BY |
fbe assumption Of heroic airs. lie
snatched a revolver from his pocket and !
pointing il at Warhavks breast sternly |
ordered him 10 leave the house.
"Ifthai's what you're arter. shouted |
Jack. unshesthing his big bowie, and
sprinrinr back over the counter, here's
Wta:il give you a ladle full
Myers still kept the revolver presented, |
but bis hand shoos Ike a leafin the TEN /
pest. and bis very lips grew white with /
ierror. and his feet involuutarily reireaied
LarLNnrla LY lhori, quIYeTlng stop ]