Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1882-10-12
BEST SHOTS IN THEIR OUTFITS


and placing them in line fifty yards dis
tant on horseback, to give the word
''Fire!' and let them settle the dispute.
This novel method of settling difference
was hailed with delight by the men of
each side, and volunteers were numer-
Gus. Kelly selected six men who had
been with him long time, and been
tried and proved in many a desperate
situations. Howard selected six of his
best men. There was no time lost in
preparing for the duel. which was to be
the greatest affair of the kind ever known.
The men of the opposing sides retired to
their camp and coolly made preparations
for the feast of death. They groomed
their horses. oiled and cleaned their re-
vovers, and putting their saddles on
with care rode out to the fight. Kid
Franks men were armed with Winches-
ter revolvers, .3S and H caliber, long
barreled, and Howard's six carried Colts
improved. Each man knew his weapon
and his horse, and were fully aware of
the fact that the men standing SO grimly
in front of them were equally we'll
equipped. The opposing duelists were
drawn up in line facing each other at 3
o'clock in the afternoon. The sight was
one which few men have looked upon.
Fifty yards apart stood, like statues, two
lines of men. Horse and rider almost
one. Every duelist grasping huge,
glittering revolver in each
band with the reins in his teeth
or hanging loosely, for these
wild, fierce daredevil riders ofthe south
guide their horses with their knees, as
the scarcely more savage Indian does.
Around about. carelessly in range of
stray bullets, were the friends of both
parties. mounted ON their horses watch
ing the fight and to see that no advan-
tage should be taken; at either side the
chief who had sent these men out to die.
Over all brooded a death like silence,
while on ali the swelling, rolling silent,
plain shone the gold of the bright Sep
TENDER sun. Ii q painter could catch
that picture it would be thing for the
coming civilization to wander at. The
man who was detailed to give the word
which was destined to create whirl-
wind of death started forward At the
first move there was SILVER oflife along
both lines, but it was not a shiver offear.
Each man Strengthened himself, grasped
his pistols the firmer and singled out his
opponent. The umpire lifted his hand
and suddenly on the still air came the
CRY OF DOOM, "EIREr'
at the word twelve horses bounded for
ward. and twelve pistol shots rang out.
Three of Towards men threw up their
hands and fell from their horses, while
only one ofKelly's men fell. Kelv's men,
not needing their comrades death, sped
straight toward the men in front of them.
The latter dropped their pistols in their
bride hands and pulled their horses up,
while their five enemies came riding
swiftly on. mourning a hail of bullets in
from a pistol in either hand. The How
ard men saw the odds. They were too
great, and turning swiftly they ran, turn
ing in their saddles as they flew and
bravely returning the fire. In three
brief minutes the duel was fought and
won, and four dead men lay upon the
ground. Frank rode up to Howard and
said: Now you and will settle with
each other" mo replied Howard. as
he looked sadly at the dead men.
IT am satisfied" Very WE'LL" said
Kelly, and orders were given to
exchange the cattle. Very strangely no
news of the fight was received until yes
terday, but this, perhaps, was due to the
fact that no towns were passed by the
Kelly outfit. Only Frank himself has ar
rived, his herd not being die for TWO
weeks yet. Kelly himself is sunburnt,
aniy-looking young fellow, and told the
story in matter-of-fact way which
would hardly attract attention. Thus is
told the story of a wonderous fight which
is an epitome OF the wild South, and will
be chronicled some day in fitting man
ner. The duel has given to Kelly the
Isobriquet OF Wild Frank. Wild Frank
says the southern country is much dis