Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-02-20
Paine and Bogardus.

Capt. Bogardus, the famous wing
shot, has long tried in vain to get on a
pigeon or glass ball match with Ira
Paine, his formidable rival, in the East.
He has offered Paine his own choice OF
guns, rules and terms. But Paine, it
seems, though much given to boasting
of his pre-eminence, has no desire to
risk his reputation in public contest
with Bogardus. He keeps talking,
though, as big as ever, and this unfor-
tunate propensity produced results that
were embarrassing on the occasion in
question. Paine had shooting engage
ment at the London Y. Y. where he
shattered hundred glass balls nightly
in very quick time. 1t has been part
of his regular stage business" to ad-
vance to the footlights and issue a
general challenge 10 the whole world to
shoot a match with him at five hundred
balls for 5000. Bogardus who was
filling a similar engagement at the
Olympic Theatre, heard of this little
bit ef pOmpo ity and resolved to accept
the challenge. He visited the London
sat down quietly and unobserved in a
back seat and waited for the great shoot
ing act. Paine, as usual, announced
himself as the champion of the world,
and threw down the gauntlet to the en-
tire shooting fraternity.
al accept your challenge. Put up
your money" came a lusty cry from
near the theatre entrance.
Paine looked daggers at the intruder
who had dared to interrupt his perform
ance. Everybody turned to look at the
presumptuous individual. Bogardus
walked down the aisle toward the stage
holding a package of greenbacks towards
his rival.
"Here's $500 forfeit. Cover it. !
accept your challenge. We can appoint
a stakeholder and arrange the match.
Come, I'll take you at your own offer. ."
Paine was terribly nonplussed when
he saw the familiar face of the Western
sports man. 1t was rather embarrass-
ing, in the face of a large audience, to
be confronted right on the heels of his
pompous and sweeping challenge by a
man he wouldn't meet professionally
on any terms. He colored and tried to
bluster; told the ushers to "take that
man away" and said something about
his ability and willingness to shoot
match with Mr.. Bosardus at any
time.
'Then put up or shnt up" shouted
Bogardus, waving his greenbacks. Pm
anxious TO make match. If you're so
willing to shoot with me, Just cover
this money" Bogardus, by this time.
was close TO the stage, and shouted his
defiance over the heads of the orchestra.
The audience was in an uprOar. Most
of them did not know BOgardus, and
their sympathies being naturally with
the man on the stage, they raised a
chorus Of "Put him out!" which was
swelled by the voices of all the theatre
employees. Paine tried to look dignified
but his surprise was SO great, and the
imminent need Of backing squarely
down was SO pressing that he could not
conceal his chagrin and vexation. He
dawdled on his gun, stammered, and at
length, with the remark that he couldn't
go on with his exhibition in the midst
Of so much confusion, went to the rear
of the stage and sat down. Aman came
out from behind the scenes and told
Bogardus to sit down and be quiet, or
he would be placed in charge of an Off
Ger. Bogardus at length beat a volun-
tary retreat, telling Paine, as parting
shot, that he had talked too loud, and
dared not live up too his own chal-
lenge.
As soon as Bogardus was in the street,
and out Of hearing, Pal ne came forward
and said that the manager of the theatre
had just offered to back him for the sum
of one hundred dollars to shoot at one
hundred glass balls with any would
be competitor, the match too take
place then and there. He paused for a
reply.