Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-08-23

AhO Aaopcidtcu CoiOiici uitM DICK
his dagger, and was advancing upon
the stranger, when several interposed
and held him back.
LET him alone Morton. Don't you
see he is crazy?"
At this juncture Judge Webb step
ped forward and spoke to the strang-
er in kindly, respectful manner.
MY good friend, I suppose you
have made a mistake. This is a pri-
vate meeting to which none but the
members are admitted"
The stranger did not seem to I'M
derstand the words, but he did the
concilatory manner. His iron fea-
lures relaxed somewhat and stepping
to table where were implements of
writing, he took up n pen and rapidly
traced these words: II am deaf"
He then held up the paper to the
spectators as a natural apology for
his seeming discourtesy.
will you be kind enough to inform
US what your business is with this
meeting?"
The stranger answered by handing
letter to the judge, whose super
scription was, $40 the citizens of
Austin" The seal was broken, and
it was read aloud
FELLOW CITIZENS: Though in err
ror and deceived by the arts of trait
ors, I will give you three more days
to decide whether you will surrender
the public archives. At the end of
that time you will please let me
know your decision.
SAM Houston"
After the letter was read, the deaf
man waited few moments for re-
ply, and turned to leave the hall. At
this moment Colonel Morton inter-
posed with lowering brow, and beck
oned him to the table. The stranger
obeyed. Col. Morton then wrote.
"You were brave enough to insult
me by your looks ten minutes ago;
are you brave enough to give me sat
isfaction?"
The stranger instantly penned the
reply
II am at your service"
| The colonel again wrote:
~Who will be your second?"
This was the answer
II am too generous TO seek an adj
vantage, and too brave to fear one on
the part Of others I therefore never
need the aid OF a second"
Morton wrote:-
what are your terms?'
The stranger wrote without a mo-
ments hesitatiop:-
@Time, sunset this evening; place,
the left bank OF the Colorado, oppo-
site Austin; weapons. rifles; distance,
a hundred yards. Do not fail 70 be
on time"
The last sentence was not calcu
lated to soothe the feelings OF the ir-
ritated colonel, and he compressed
his lips as he read it.
The next moment the stranger had
strobe across the floor and disap-
peared through the window in the
same manner he had entered.
as it possible that you are going
to fight that MANI" exclaimed judge
Webb. HE is mute il not a maniac.
Such a meeting, L fear will tarnish
the luster of your laurels."
@You are mistaken" said the col
onel with a smile. "That mute is a
hero whose fame stands in the records
of dozen battles, and almost as
many bloody duels. Besides, he is
the favorite emissary and bosom
friend Of Houston. II I have the good
fortune to kill him, think the presi-
dent will retract his VOW against
venturing any more on the field OF
| honor"
~You know him then? Who is hep
Deaf Smith,
@Impossiblei 1t cannot be. Deaf
Smith was slain at San Jacinto," re.
piled Judge Webb
There again your honor is mistak.
en-" said Morton. "The story Of
Smiths death is a mere fiction, got
ten up by Houston for the purpose
of saving his friend from the venge.
ance OF several Texans, on whose
conduct he acted the part of spy
1 learned the artifice year ago."
@Then you are mailman yourself
colonel. Deaf Smith was never known
. to miss his Lark. He has been known
to have brought down ravens in thei
flight, and has picked or Comanchel
and Mexicans at distance OF TIVE
hundred yards - eis.i si'if
@The thing is settled. / fancy cal
DO q little or that business myself
"But for Gods sake,' persisted thu
judge. becoming excited, Il don
want you to be murdered,
| @Who is going to be?" asked tn,
I colonel. as he cody smoked his ciga
{ and smiled In his usual way.
why you,.if you undertake TO flgh
: Deaf Smith"
!, ~This thing is all arranged, as
, said few moments ago, and
3 wouldn't back out IL was certain L
! be shot, for what is death to dishon
or?s
Toward evening large crowd as
!, sembled at the place appointed 70
the meeting, and so reckless were tn
people regarding the issue at stake