The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-04-11

| Tor q SUCK OF revolver, Wucu He
raised up the barkeeper was looking
down the muzzle of Shades pistol,
and a moment afterwards was one
of the deadest bar-keepers that ever
came West.
But day ofreckoning was coming
for Slade. The people of the West
were becoming tired of his acts Of
violence, and determined to abate
them. His wife was beautiful and
accomplished woman, and as brave
as her lord.
One day a party Of citizens went
to SHADES house, disarmed him and
took him to prison. His wife came
to see him, and they let her enter
without searching her. Throwing
two revolvers on the bed and whip
ping out a third. she leveled it at
the jailor's head and told him to
march out.
Jack was not long in taking in the
situation, and picking up the revol-
vers followed his wife. He mount
ed on the horse she had ridden and,
taking her up behind him, they
galloped away undisturbed.
Slade and his wife fed over the
mountains to Montana and took up
their abode near Virginia City, then
great mining camp. Slade would
come into town, get on a spree, and
frighten every one. When it was
known he was in town the mer-
chants would close up their stores
and remain indoors until he had
left.
He had band of armed roughs
who always accompanied him, and
lit was deemed impossible to arrest
him alive.
He had been on a spree and the
town was in an uproar, when the
people, having become thoroughly
tired of his capers determined on
his destruction, cost what it might.
He had broken up a lot of furniture
and beaten man, when Judge Alex
ander Davis issued q writ for his
arrest.
A courageous sheriff, ]. NJ. Fox,
took Slade into custody and led him
into court. He went quietly enough
bat when the writ was being read to
him Slade snatched it from the
hands of the sheriff, and, tearing it
up, stamped it under foot. His
companions, cccking their reyolvers,
defied the Court. No effort was
made to dctain them, and they
marched out of the room.
If he had fled all would have
been well, but he rode into a store
and threatened to shoot the propri-
etor, Mr.. Doris. Then he led his
horse into a saloon. and buying a
bottle of wine, tried to make the ami
NAL drink it.
Meanwhile the outraged citizens
were arming and organizing. A gen.
tleman went to Slade and said to
him:
'Slade, get on your horse and leave
town."
"What do you mean ?" inquired
Slade.
"You have no right to ask" re-
piled the gentleman. Get on your
horse. Take my advice and 60 away
at once"
For moment or two the despera-
do was sobered, and goton his horse
to ride away; but wanting another
drink, he went into the saloon and
forgot the warning.
Becoming furious he sought out
Judge Davis, and drawing a pistol
held it to his head, and said he
would hold him as 4 hostage for his
own safety.
The Judge stood still and the ruff.
ian soon forgot what he had said
when the Judge quietly walked
away.
| Up to this time the death o.
Slade had not been decided upon
The committee of vigilantes were in
session, but Slade had many friends
even on the committee.
When, however. they heard of the
outrage on Judge Davis, the com.
mittee at once voted that Slade mus,
die.
The miners turned out en- masse
and mustered to the number of six
hundred. Turning the corner of a
street suddenly the head of the col.
umn came upon Slade and his par.
ty.
+, Slade was sohered in an instant.
He saw the hopelessness of resist
ance, and crossing the street to Mr..
Pfoutz's store, where Judge Davis
was, he apologized handsomely to
the Judge, saying he would 60 home
and give no more trouble.
1t was too late, the miners filed
into the store and took Slade into
custody. He submitted quietly
enough, but cried like child when
/ tOlu uc Iuust Qlc.
A court, after the fashion of min
ers, was organized, and some speech
es were made; then the whele body,
acting IS jury, voted on the ques-
ton of what should be done with
the prisoner. The answer was al
most unanimous, Hang him |"
Slade heard the voice of the peo-
pie with fear and trembling. He had
lived long enough in the West to
know its meaning, and felt his fate
was sealed. Still. Slade had some
earnest friends who did all they
could to save him.
] He told one of his gang to take
his horse and ride for life and death
for Mrs. Slade and acquaint her with
the situation. He did. and in three
minutes after he had delivered his
| message Mra- Slado had aadfl1ed