Los Angeles daily herald., 1875-04-22
TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION.
The Ups and Downs of Everyday Life
--Th. Romantic History OF n Boot

| The Romantic History OF Boot
BBlach-bl eEag 4nvs
In everyday life we see romance at
every step. The humble citizen of to-
day may be the millionaire of the flu
ture, and the princely banker may in
few years be earning his bread by
the sweat of his brow. Time makes
all things even, but it brings most as
tonishing changes. Great expecta-
tions are some times more than real
lied, while the most promising air
castles are frequently dissolved into
nothingness. fire 3alse.fso.
AS we pass the little platform of the
Industrious old boot-black we can
hardly realize that he has been the
hero of a romantic history, that he
has been man of wealth, that he has
occupied high social position, that he
has been swindledo out of his property,
that he has been the victim of the as
sassn's pistol but has survived them
all and is now earning q, living by
sturdy independence in his old age.
Yet, such is the fact, and when you
pass the old mans, stand, recollect
that he once had q competence, of
which conspiracy robbed him. Keep
this in mind and e"Give the old man a
chance.u nassk4 ~ 4S@
T. l,c. L.. g l. ,,..:
the most promising city of the border
of Kansas, was in a terrible state of
alarm. Price was within less than
fifty miles of the great depot of wes-
tern military supplies and the town
was In arms. Prominent as Captain
of a company of home-guards was the
subject of our sketch, then a well-to-
do citizen, and gallantly he did his
part. 0, 0io9 ae
He then possessed houses and lands,
with horses in his stables and money
in the bank. Among his acquaintan-
ces and bosom friends at this time
was o certain government detective,
who was "truly loyal" but totally
bankrupt in reputation. At a given
time in 1854 the City Marshal was
notified by the detective that the rob-.
berry of the old Captains house was
planned for certain night the infor-
nation coming, according to report,
from well known stool pigeon. The
night came, the police were on hand,
the attempt to rob the house was
made, and while the Captain was en-
gagged in q hand-to-hanas struggle with.
the masked thief, q pistol shot was
heard and the intruder fell dead,
with bullet through his brain.s The
detective had shot the stool-pigeon,
but meant the bullet for the old man.
The other pretended burglars were
captured, though they were never
tried but allowed to escape. The ami
mus of this put-up-job did not appear
for several years afterwards, when the
Captain was successful city con-
tractor and the detective (the war be-
ing over) had subsided into the loafer
ranks.
The parties met in buggies on the
public streets in 1867 when the ex-de-
tective fired at his old friend and mar
rowly escaped being his murderer.
The would-be-assassin was tried on q
charge of assault with intent to kill,
but convenient justice of the peace
discharged him and in the Office he
deliberately turned and fired at his
victim wounding him severely, after
which he fled the country. For
weeks the victim lay nigh unto death,
but a good constitution triumphed
and he recovered, but found himself
bereft of family and property. With
! shattered health and fortune he went
to southern Kansas to commence life
| again in his old age. se...e.
Fortune favored him, and for time
he seemed to prosper, but in an evil
hour his former enemy crossed his
path and attempted another assassin
alton, but this time he caught tartar
and was laid low by pistol shot from
the gallant old man. He recovered,
much to the chagrin of the citizens of
Parsons, Kansas, who had acquitted
the old man and had a first-cIass fune-
raj prepared for the wounded ruffian.
Both parties left the scene, the Cap
tain coming to California and the ex-
detective going to New Orleans.
The old Captain has been greeted by
many friends in his new home, who
rejoice to see his sturdy efforts to make
a living. He was appreciated by his
old neighbOrs for his pluck and hon
esty, and they will be overjoyed to
hear of his renewed health and pros
perity. We trust that the brave old
man will continue in his manly course
and that he may ever be appreciated.
Wherever he may be, whether posses.
sor of thousands or proprietor of a
blacking brush, whether directing the
labor Of large contract or working as
stone-mason, he will always be re-
speoted for his honesty, ability and
bravery. 8f 9rtM
Verify, there is more romance in
the history Of that old man, who bends
over his blacking stand, than there is
in many volumes of the yellow GOV.
cred literature. His trials and hair
breadth escapes justify us in believing
that Providence still has in store for
him some work undone, and that his
days will be many in the home that
he has adopted in his old age. He has
been tried In the fire of adversity and
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