The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-09-01
SO PER ANNUM.

surveyors hand and thrust it into his
pocket. No one anticipated such
movement, and il was some moments
before Tarbox recovered his self-pos-
session 80 as to speak.
"The flask belongs to Mr.. Ranney,"
be said. "Please let him have it,"
"The flask belongs to me-" retorted
Jack. "His shootin' war all acciden-
tai. lie only happened to hit whar
he did But then, he ken have the
flask if he can git it, or you either"
Tarbox bit his lip, and looked to
the other members Of the party, un-
decided how to act. Seeing bis irres-
olution Ranney stepped forward, and
said:
"Don't trouble yourself, Mr.. Tar
box. The flask is mine and | will see
to getting it."
"You will eh ?" snarled the bully.
"Get away from me--out Of arms
reach-or I'll smash ye like a roast
tater."
Thus speaking the giant swung his
fists about, but the young man did not
move. Instead he received blow OH
the head which knocked away his hat,
andseemed to change his whole ma
ture to that of a young lion. With a
strength and agility wholly unlocked
for he dealt the giant fearful blow
full upon the nose, which knocked
him to the ground, and deluged the
uncomely face and beard with torrents
of blood There was a momentary
struggle upon the ground after the
bully fell, and then Stephen stepped
back pace or two.
In moment the ruffian was on his
feet again, and with fearful curse he
placed his hand where be expected TO
find revolver. But it was gone.
Then he sought for his knife, but that
two was missing. The young man had
taken the precaution of removing
them, 50 that now the two stood on
equal ground. But what a contrast !
! Nine inches in height the bully tow.
cred above his antagonist, while in
actual weight he was more than twice
4 his equal.
There was no parley or hesitation.
Finding himself weaponless Jack
rushed for the young man, and would
, have crushed him in a deadly grasp,
but the young man did not wait for
the process. A quick, fierce blow,
, falling jsst where the other had fallen
| staggered :he rascal, and before he
, could see what had become of the man
he supposed already in his grasp, a
tremendous crack in the ear brought
, him again to the ground. Again he
, scrambled to his feet, and again he
D was knocked down by single rever-
berating blow. The third time he
f arose, but before he could wipe the
3 blood from his eyes sufficiently to dis
tinguish his antagonist the hard earth
e again became his bed.
This time he did not rise immedi
s ately 1t was patent to every one be
: fore this stage of the encounter tina
: he was over matched for once, and a
Q last that fact seemed to have becom,
1 clear to his own mind. Drawing tn,
Q flask from his pocket he cast it upol
the ground muttering savagely:
e "There's yer old flask Take it
}. yer want il SO badl"
e Stephen stepped to the spot wher
: the coveted prize lay and picked it ur
d placing it BESIDE his rifle. Then turn
ing again to the discounted bully
!. who had now risen to his feet he con
d tinued:
l. "Jack Dunlaw, am not done wit
you yet. A few days ago you bruta
IL iy insulted Cora Russell. / coul
If have shot you dead and would hav
: done it had l not pitied you. No
D. you can take your choice-go, and o
e your knees ask her pardon, and the
, quit this place forever or die whel
you stand This quarrel is not of m
,; seek, but now that you have begun
le take your choice. give you thrs
v. minutes to decide"
n, A half.dozen watches were produce
ge and the attention of our party WI
.. divided between their slowly movir
hands and the excited group before U
s. At first it seemed as though Jack d
&C sired TO renew the fight. He locke
so around upon those who had been b
| confederates bat their sympathy hs
ly gone, and it was apparent that Step
m Ranney had in a moment become Il
hero of the occasion. Jacks eyes to
rs we're nearly closed from the energet
an blows he had received, and his cou
to age, if any he had ever possesse
W. seemed to have gone entirely.
to A nod, watch closed and return'
Id to the pocket of its owner, announc'
re the expiration of the time. Now
charge of muscle or expression pass
1t over Stephens features as he remar
lily ed: