Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1875-08-13
THE REV. JOSEPH STRIKER
1t Wasn't the Right Man.


called clergyman named Rev. JOSEPH
Striker. In that city, by most unfortu
nate coincidence, there also resided prom,
lnent prize-fighter named Joseph Striker
and runners were atloat a few weeks az,
that the latter Joseph was about to engage
in a contest with Jersey pugilist for tn,
championship. Our Sheriff considered i
his duty to warn Joseph against the pro
posed infractioa of the laws, and SO b,
determined to call upon the professor Of
the art OF self-defence. Unhappily in in
curing the way to the pugilist's house
somebody misunderstood the Sheriff, anG
and sent him t. the residence of the Rev
Joseph Striker, Of whom he hai never
heard. When Mr. Striker entered tht
room, IN answer to the summons, the Shcr
if said to lim:famiiiariy:
Hello, Joe! How are your"
Mr.. Striker was slightly amazed at this
address, but he politely said:
Good morning."
"Joe," said the sheriff, throwing his leg
]azly over the arm of the chair, Il came
round here to see you about that mill with
Patsy Dingus, that they're all talking
about. I want you to understand that II
can't come off anywhcre's around here
You know well enough it's against tho
law, and amt agoing TO have it,"
mill! Mill, sir? What on earth do you
meant" asked Mr. Striker. in as,onish-
ment. Il do not own any mill. sir. Against
the law! do not understand you, SIR"
Nov see here, Joe," said the sheriff
biting off piece Of tobacco and looking
very wise, THAT won't go down with me-
It's pretty thin, you know. I know we'll
enough that you've put u2 $1,000 on that
little affair, and that you've got the whole
thing fixed with Bill Martin for referee.
I know you're going down to Pea Patch
Island to have it out, and I'm not gong to-
allow it. I'll arrest You as sure as gun if
you try it on, now mind me-"
Really. SIR" said Mr.. Striker "there
must be some mistake about
''Oh, no, there isn't; your name is Joe
Striker. isn't it?" asked the sheriff.
my name is Joseph Striker, certain
ly."
Il ewit," said the sheriff, splitting on
the carpet, "and YOU see I've got this
things dead 20 rights. 1t shan't come off,
and I'm doing you favor 10 blocking the|
game, because Patsy'd curl you all up and
sicken you anyway if I let you meet him.
know he's the best man, and you'd lose
your money and get all bunged up besides;
80 you take my advice, now. and quit.
You'll be sorry If you don't"
II do not know what you are referringI
ia" ssid Mr.. Striker. "Your remarks areI
incomprehensible to me. but your tone is
very offensive. and if you have any bust
ness with me, I'd thank you to state it a.
once"
'Joe," said the sheriff, looking at him
With benign smile, ''you play it pretty
we'll. Anybodyd think you were limo
cent Is lamb. But it won't work. Joseph;
It won't work, tell you. I've got duty
to perform, and I'm going to do It, and 1
pledge you my word if you ana Dingus
don't knock off now, I'll grab you and
serd you up for ten years as sure IS death.
I'm in earnest about it,"
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Mr..
Striker, fercely.
"Ob, don't you 60 to putting on any
lirs about It. Don't you try any struttingI
before me )" said the sheriff, ''or I'll put
vou under bail this very afternoon. Let's|
lee. how long were you in Jail the last time?lr
Two wears wasn't itS Well, you SO fight-ll
ng with Dingus aid you'll get ten years,
,ure!"
..You are certainly crazy:" exclaimed
Nr. Striker.
II don't see why you want to stay at
hat business, anyhow" said the sheriff
Here you are, in q snug home, where
,ou might live in peace and keep respect
bile. But, no, you must associate with !
ow .haracters, end 60 to stripping your
elf naked, and jumping into ring 70 getlo
your nose bloodied and your head swelIed, L
md your body hammered To jelly, andll
IL for what? Why, for championship. i
Its ridiculous What good will II do youI
T vou are championy Why don't you tryls
Q be honest and decent. and let prize-dght' |
ng aloneS" L
..This 10 the most extraordinary conver \
alton ever listened TO, said Ar. Striker
.You evidently take mo for a. u
II take you for Joe Striker. and u yoot
reep On. I'll take you to Jail. said the
,heriff. With emphasis. Now, you tell me
rho has got those stakes. and who's your
rainer. and III put an end TO the whole /,
:sYou seem t. imagine that / am . puRiI|s
:. eeid ~. Striker. LET mo inform Is
,on. eir, that ! - clergyman. 2