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

quite young man-and gray is now
silvering my hair--I had occasion to
visit the far West in government en-
ploy, with party of.surveyors. The
nature of ourserrand, our numbers,
and the elaborate preparations we had
made against any hostile demonstra
tions, insured us from any molestation,
save ina few rare instances; yet in
that wild country il was impossible
that we should remain long without
witnessing many scenes not familiar in
law-abiding and civilized districts. To
be sure we were not beyond the pale
of law-that is, there were certain Of
6cers, widely scattered, who OCCASION
ally shot down some drunken despera.
| do, if his friends were not too numer-
Gus, but beyond such heroic acts they
seldom exercise the powers they were
supposed to possess. Generally, each
] separate community had recognized
leader, some man more muscular and
reckless than his fellows, and who by
virtue Of these qualities had certain
number of followers, who were ready
to see that his will wns the ruling
power in that vicinity. Of course
such men were the real law makers,
and they were very seldom opposed or
molested.
Such a one was Jack Dunlaw.
Jacks headquarters were at the sta
tiou on the Overland Mail route where
we chanced to be located for a few
weeks, while surveying in that vicini-
ty, and we had good opportunity to
witness a most Interesting incident in
bis experience, which transpired while
we were there. In appearance he was
formidable enough as we saw him on
the morning after our arrival. Fully
six feet six inches in heighth, with
long arms and legs, slightly STOPPING,
with ponderous frame, immense
masses of hair and beard, clothing in
keeping with his general appearance,
and neither over-cleanly or attractive,
bowie knife and revolver thrust into
his belt as he walked about the station,
Jack was certainly the man to intimi.
date any person of moderate nerves.
For many years he had been recog-
nized as the leading spirit IN that vi
cinity, and from that position he had
. grown independent of all restraint
save his own will. He had chosen
band Of followers who were ready to
support him in every villainous under
taking, We were. FLING kept in
waiting before sdkso Of his peculiari
ties were brought to our notice.
| i1.01. of tho elatso.
Russell, was medium sized man
some forty years of age, who had re
Gently come to the place, bring will
him q family consisting of one daugh
ter, his wife, and a young man VIII,
had been in his employ several years
and who was said to be the accepte,
lover of the daughter Cora. Stephei
RasRsy MAS his name, very quiet
gentlemanly appearing young man
some five feet nine inches high, an,
weighing at moderate estimate
hundred and City pounds. He seldom
spoke unless addressed. when his word
were brief and to the points
On the morning following our arr
val. while the chief engineer of ou
corps was preparing the work for tn
day, the remainder of the party, afte
examining their instruments and put
y ting everything in readiness for sci
vice, disposed ourselves about the sta
tion to smoke and wait for order'
. While wreathing ouselves in vapol
!, and longing for day or two of res
in strobe Jack Dunlaw, and demande
a dram of whiskey. The barkeepe
produced the beverage. and Jack, VIII
=" was already more than excited by th
potations of vile liquor, which be ha
swallowed, turned it down with GU
gle. Just as he lowered the tin Gu
which served instead of tumble
q, Cora Russell entered the room lookin
m for her father.
es aa "Here, gal, give us a kissW Jac
b. exclaimed, as he caught sight Of he
'r- Alarmed at his brutal manner, Il
IT. girl turned to leave the room, but b
fore she could do so the bully hs
caught and kissed her repeatedly wi
his liquor fumed and tobacco stain'
lips.
AS she broke from his grasp al
,es ps escaped at length, he turned to Il
bar again, and with some beastly 7
mark, threw down coin and saunt'
av ed out, those of his admirers prese
laughed heartily as he left the pla'
As the scene progressed / spra
from my seat and took step towa
the ruffian, but surveyor pulled |
back, and with difidence and co
ardice of which / ever since have be
ashamed, l did not make seco
movement.