The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1879-01-02
A Priarie Duel.
lSt. Louis Post. !


Some five years ago, Adam Goldie
left his native county Of Shannon, Mo-,
where he was engaged In cattle raising,
for Northern Texas, where he passed
two years, and there one of the most ex-
citing incidents of his career happened.
His fame as marksman among the
Texans soon became notorious. In the
vicinity of Goldie's ranch lived William
Darrell, or as he was more Familiarity
termed, Bloody Bill. This Bloody Bill
was noted ruffian and desperado. His
feats in craftsmanship were likewise
astounding, and probably no man in the
Lone Star State exceIled him in hand
ling the rifle. He became Jealous of
Goldie's fame, and managed to pick a
quarrel with him, which resulted in a
challenge After short consultation,
they decided that a duel should be
fought, but, in consequence of the ex-
traordinary skill of the parties. at
long distance. .s..- ..
On the open prairie, about two miles
distant, grew two post oak trees. They
were four hundred and twenty yards
apart, and were. the only trees on that
spot. All around was open, timberless
prairie. 1t was decided that Goldie and
Bill should both take up position be-
hind their respective trees, and then
blaze away at each other. The Texans
hoped by this means to prevent blood
shed, or at least to prevent fatal
termination of the duel The prehmin-i
| aries being settled, the whole party
| mounted their horses and rode out on
the prairie to the selected spot: Goldie
| took up his position behind one of the
trees, and Bill ensconced himself be-
hind the other. The remaining party
of the crowd then rode to a slight un-
dulating eminence to the right, where
they were to remain as spectatufs. One
of. them was to give the signal for the
beginning Of the combat by firing his
rife in the air, and the report was to be
the signal to the duelists to begin their
bloody work. Goldie waited anxiously
the detonation of the rife, which sud-
denly sounded in the air.
Then began the duel at the longest
range ever recorded. Goldie advanced
| from behind the tree in a kneeling
posture, when, whiz! his sombrero was
perforated by ball from Bloody Bills
rife. Quick as lightning he dropped
full length on the ground in time to es-
cape the other two bullets which came
in rapid succession. He lay still, brought
his rifle into position as he was stretched
upon the ground, and then remained
immovable. Presently he saw diminu-
tive figure which he knew 70 be Bill
(who was nearly one inch taller than
Goldie) advancing cautiously from the
shelter Of the tree. Quickly taking aim.
he fired twice in succession, and then
retired behind the sheltering trnnk. One
of the bullets he discovered had passed
through the lobe of Bills left ear. There
was cessation now of firing for some
time, when Goldie espied his opponent S
head and shoulders exposed. Quick as
lightning his rifle was at his shoulder,
and the detonating report was heard.
Bloody Bills hat was carried away By
the bullet. Goldie now rather incau-
tiously advanced from his shelter, and
became the target for six bullets In rota'
ton, one of which made hole in hi.
coatsleeve, and another through his
pants. He beat a hasty retreat. s.,
The duelists remained gazing at the
distant trees, each watching for the in
distinct form which represented his ad
versary. Each peered cautiously from
behind the tree, endeavOring to gel
sight of the other. Goldie at, last saw
Bill again advance, and the former step
ped rapidly to the front, and quickly
brought his rifle into position. Almos
simultaneously the clear, sharp repor
of two rifles rang on the air, and botf
men fell. Goldie managed to raise him
self and crawl behind the trunk of ;
tree. He had been wounded in the lef
shoulder. Presently he was joined b.
the Texans, who had been witnesses o
this most exciting duel. They had al
ready ridden over to Bloody Bill ant
found him dead A bullet had pene
trated his temple. .s- -