The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-11-05

am the man TO De rODneu anu plunUeI
ed without striking blow, why, then
you're mistaken, that's all Now Fl
make you this proposition: I'll fight; tht
best man among YOU with rifles at thirty
PAGES. If l win I'm to 90 free with my
horse, but if it goes against me the mar
that kills me shall take him and all my
equipments. If you won't do that come
on, I've got three shots here and {
good knife, and TIL promise to finish ur
three of you at least"
This defiant speech was received witt
perfect silence at first; and then, as
something of natural chivalry prevailed
over their lawless' brutality, a cheer Of
applause snd appreciation burst from
their throats.
, "Curse me if he amt game chicken!
one of them exclaimed, holding out his
hands and walking up to me.
"Stranger, you shall have fair play
hang me if you shan't. I'm Bob Bas
comb; 1 fought at Bexar and Jaciuto,
and I'll see the fair thing done"
This sentiment speedily prevailed
with the outlaws, and my sentiment be
ing put to vote was adopted by accla
nation. with the amendment that both
should fire at the word, aud then, if nei-
ther was disabled, the combat should be
finished with knives My opponent was
selected by lot, and it so happened that
the leader of the gang, the man who
had already attempted to seize the horse,
was chosen. The mode of fighting Sc
lected, bsrbarous as it seemed, was one
much in vogue in the Southwest. For
myself, l thought it would make very
little difference whether knives were used
or not, as was quite certain that if the
outlaws rifle did not kill me mine would
kill him, and as had heard something
of the proficiency of these. fellows with
this weapon l thought it quite likely that
neither of US would escape. But this
seemed the only way open to me out of
this difficulty short of surrendering my
horse, which l was determined not TO
do.
NY animal was returned to the shed
and / was conducted to the plain just
outside the settlement, attended by the
whole population,not less than two hun
dred eager, curious spectators. We were
fairly posted at either end OF the distance
that was paced off. Mr. Bob Bascomb
having taken upon himself to act as my
second
81 kinder like your spunk, young fell
ler," be said encoursgingly. "That's a
beauty, that rifle O yours. Know how
to use it ?"
"Certainly do"
"Well, you act like it--act as though
you want afeared to use it, either
wonderrif our boys had walked
up the wrong passenger this time. Any
thing kin do for you ?"
81 believe not If that man Kills me
you can't help me; if he doesn't"
"Then there shan't be finger laid on
pou! I'll split the mans skull that Of
rers it. Remember, the word is Ready
fire. That's ALL"
Bascomb with drew, and, rifle in hand,
| faced ny antagonist The distanee
was hardly hundred yards, and though
safe enough to those unacquainted with
the use of the rifle, it is far otherwise to
those familiar with it. The spectators
fell back, aud dead silence prevailed
[ could not tell what expression my op
Donent's face wore, though he came up
10 his place with confident step. My
heart beat very painfully,but was mas
er of every nerve. l knew that my
whole safety lay in killing my opponent,
and resolved that he should not excel
ne in quickness on The trigger or sure
ness of aim,
The hoarse voice Of Bascomb now
shouted:
81 will give the word, 'Ready-fre? !?
and if either of you fires after the word,
I'll drop him myself If the rifles don't
finish the business, then pitcl, in with the
knives as fast as you please"
An interval of few seconds was fol
lowed by the word Ready"
Both the rifles came to the shoulder
together.
'7Fire!' .a3f5f
There seemed to be but one report -
A smart twinge and slight shock on the
inner surface of my left arm told me that
l was slightly hurt; but there stood my
with his rifle lowered, looking
to see the effect of his shot.
''Neither of 'em hit-pretty shooting
that = roared Bascomb.
Nov look out for fun!' other voices
cried. ..1E
saw nv antagonist throw down his
rife, draw his bowie-knife, and rush to.
ward me. A cheer from the crowd greet
ed the movement, and | laid my hand on
the handle of my knife. But | did not
draw it. AS the outlaw came on at full
speed he suddenly stopped, threw up his
arms, and with q loud cry sank down to
his knee, and then fell at'full length on
the ground. He was dead before hand
could touch him; my bullet had com
pletely traversed his body from side to
side An examination of my arm show.
ed that my sleeve was cut through and
the blood barely drawn,
The outlaws were as good as their word
with me. With many expressions oftheir
admiration at my conduct, and with not
one word of regret at'the fate of their
companions they escorted me to my horse
and sent me on my way with many wishes
for safe and pleasant journey. after.
ward learned in Galveston that the man
had killed was one of the most desperate
and dangerous outlaws east of the Colo
RADIO.