Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-10-12

| ALMOST CeaSeU 10 tnink OF u.as Otner brutal
acts on the part of Dunlaw came under our
notice
The third day after the above incidents
took place we were off duty. 1t had threat
ened rain during the mornin and the Jay
proved dark and cloudy. Shortly aiter
noon one Of our party .anxi Gus to see some
specimens ofthe famed rifle shooting OF
the West. took from his baggage a finely
mounted powder flask, which he offered as
prize to the best shot.
There were half-a-dozen volunteers,
and the details were speedily arranged
Three shots each were to be allowed, at
one hundred and ffty PAGES, and the man
whose threeshots made the shortest string
measuring from the center of the bulls
eye, was to receive the flask.
Jack Dunlaw and Stephen Ranney were
among the contestants. had been quite
curious TO see how these two persons
would meet, but noticed no change In the
young mans department. He spoke but
little. and VIXEN the list was arranged for
precedence. voluntarily took the last place
then folding his arms and leaning against
the doorway, he carefully watched the
trial.
Jack was one of the first to try his skill.
and when three shots had been fired il was
found that one of his bullets had struck
within an inch of the centre. while the
farther removed.
-Four inches"' the surveyor announced
after carefully measuring the distance Of
the several shots.
"las," growlcd Jack, throwing himself
upon bench; I'm wait here till you beat
that, some on yer, and when yer dew 1t We
kin take that ther little powder-box
The Others fired la their several turns.
and our party was quite surprised to Ind
the shooting no more accurate. Indeed
We began TO look with dstrust upon the
wonderful stories OF romantic writer's.
All had fired at last save Stephen Ran
ey.and Jack had made much the shortest
string.
The young man took his place, and
raised his ride. which was consdera bly,
shorter than any the OF others.
Look here, youngster.' growled Jack,
With wink to his admirers. you'd better
have popgun that wouldn't hurt any
body. and you'd be just as likely tew hit
the mark as yer will with that boys play
thing
Stephen made no reply, but placing his
weapon In rest bowed his cheek To the
breech.and the next moment the sharp re-
port rang out.
In the edge OF the bull's-eye. half an
! inch from the centre" shouted the marker.
The best shot yet
'lt'- an accident, He can't hit the board
next time" cried Jack.
saw from his manner that he was get
ting excited and angry; but Stephen re-
loaded his weapon IN the most unconeern-
ed manner Imaginable. As he was about
to fire, Jack walked toward the target TO
| {" mark the effect OF the shot
II was given ss promptly as the first, and
10 the surprise OF every one, ii struck al
J most exactly in the centre OF the bulls eye
But without waiting Ia hear the result,
stephen turned TO reload his piece.
with stride like that of All enraged ele-
phant. Jack Dunlaw moved up 10 the side
OF his successful competitor.
] Don't We dar do that ag'in" he hssed,
between his shut jaws. II yer do, twill
be hard day for yer. Now mark what
tell yer, ain't goin' 10 fool around no
upstart like you. le'ye made 4 lucky hit
'"i'irt' yo,iHg iuaif iriiitd ~ ....,.,., 49,
saw his cheek become Il shade paler. and
his hand triile less steady, as he rammed
home the bullet. Then. with lips tightly
compressed ap1 eyes fixed upon the tar
get, he dropped upon one knee, and lev
eled his rifle.
Now don't yer make another mistake,
was Jacks last admonition. accompanied
by shake of the fist so close 10 the Young
mans face that began TO feel like grasp
ing the bully from behind and dragging
hh from the scene.
The third shot sped as the others had
done, and then the young msn sprAng to
his feet, dropping his rifle TO the ground
in a manner which showed that patience
had nearly ceased TO be his ruling virtue.
Still could not anticipate the scenes which
were 10 follow.
The last bullet had struck just outside
the bulls ye,and alter measuring the three
- 4. ,..I.g - ~ ttb
and kept the measurements, stepped up
among the crowd now gathered, and said
'Gentlemen, Mr. Ranney has made the
best record, his three shots measuring
but two inches SO 10 him give the mask.
according to agreement
He reached forth the prize as he spoke.
bnt before the young man could take 1t,
Jack snatched il from the surveyors hand
and thrust it into his pocket. No one an
ticipated such 4 movement, and n was
some moments before Tarbox recovered
his seif-pos.ession so as 10 speak.
The flask belongs 10 Mr.. Ranney, he
said. Please let him haveit.'
The flask belongs TO me, retorted Jack.
His shootin' war all accidental. He only
happened 10 hit where 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, undecided
how to act Seeing his irresoiutlon Ran
ney stepped forward. and said:
Don't trouble yourself, Mr.. Taro0x
The flask is mine, ,and l will see 10 getting
You will, ell 2 snarled the bully. Cit
away from me-out OF arms reach-or I'll
smash We like a roast later
Thus speaking the giant swung his fists
about but the young man did not move.
Instead he received blow upon the head
which knocked away his hat, and seemed
to change his whole nature to that OF
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 momentary strug-
gle upon the ground after the bully fell.
, and then Stephen stepped back pace or
two.
In nome 1T the ruffian was upon his
feet again, and with fearful curse he
placed his hand where expected 70 ma
. revolver. But it was gone. Then he
!. sought for his knife, but that two was mis-
. sing. Tho Young man had taken the pre-
caution of removing them SO that now
r they stood upon equal ground. But what
q contrast. Nine inches in height the bull
ly lowered above his antagonist, while In
l actual weight he was more than twice his
; equal. Ai-
n There was no parley or hesitation. Find
. ing himself weaponless Jack rushed for
Y the young man. and would have crushed
/ him in deadly grasp. but the young man
, did not wait fOf the process s-=A quick
e fierce blow, falling just where the other
d had fallen staggered the rascal, and before
e he could see what had become OF the man
he supposed already in his grasp. ire
: mendous crack in the ear brought him
again TO the ground. Again lie scrambled
4 TO his feet and again he was knocked down
e by a single rsverberating blow. The third
;, time he arose, but before he could wipe
d the blood from his eyes suiiiciently to dis
tinguish his antagonist the hard earth again
D became his bed.
n | This time he did not rise Immediately.
\ II was patent to every one before this etage
fsa-a flaaf he 0Yerma atched