Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-07-25
SAVED AS BY FIRE.
BY MAJOR HAMILTON,

The oil excitement of 1882, building q
few fortunes but destroying twice the
number, and wrecking many a fair name
and fame, was the cause as well of some
strange and desperate .crimes in the
northeastern district of Pennsylvania,
one Of which occurred as follows:
[ was at the time spoken of the man
ager of three wells in the vicinity of -.
a well known oil district, besides having
a personal and private interest in a
wildcat " well, distant some seven
miles, among the ridges of the hills,
from which my partner and myself were
hoping great things. OF course our
well was watched, but as we had not yet
"struck," we did not seek to avoid
spies.
One Friday night, however, matters
changed. Tom Dillworth, my partner,
sent NE word that we were in oil, that
the well was flowing, and desired my
immediate presence. both to aid him in
caring for the oil, and also to drive away
the outside men who sought to learn the
strength OF our find.
As you may know. almost all the
yielding wells, whether flowing Or
pumped, are controlled by great cor
poratlons, and any new independent, or
so-called wildcat well, is at once
bought by these corporations If they can
ascertain its yield, and for this purpose
spies are continually on the watch around
sUch new ventures, much, however.
against the will of the owners. who would
prefer to sell "unseen, as schoolboys
trade knives. Naturally, no love is lost
between these men,
Quickly arranging my matters at the
other wells, 1 mounted my horse and
galloped into the mountains.
At dark [ was with DiIlworth.
Sixty barrels, MAORI" he cried to me,
as | gazed at the bubbling, muddy oil.
Sixty barrels If she's a pint, and-get
out O. hereP'
He turned quickly, and sprang toward
his gun, standing IN the corner.
As he did SO shadow fitted past the
window, and disappeared with the gath
ering shadows of the near woods.
"A cursed spy" muttered Tom.
. They're as thick as hair on a dog. I
shall hurt some of 'en YETI
Never mind them, Tom" said I.
f'Wh2t if they do learn about our well?
We need not sell if we do. not choose to.
Let US avoid row with the rascals, for
they might tap the tank"
"Aye, that they Would-in a mo-
ment," replied my partner, ''if they
dared. But l guard it too well. ANY man
found on these premises after dark who
does not belong here runs the chance of
a charge of number four In his hide.
Curse EN-, this is my land, and they
must stay away"
During the evening We arranged mat
ters with relation to the new well to our
entire satisfaction, and as my time was
not my own, 7 proposed to ride down the
valley again early the next morning, but
Tom insisted on my remaining till after
dinner.
Just before noon l took a stroll into
the woods about our veil without anv
definite purpose, and was returning.
when | suddenly espied man upon his
hands and knees, slowly crawling toward
our pump house.
He was partly concealed by tee brush
and second growth, but I knew him as
a spy at once. and, determining to give
him at l62s5 scare that should teach
him to keep away, [ crept hastily toward
him, made a quick spring, and thew
myself bodily upon him.
Although [ had taken the fellow IN
awsres, found myself at a sudden dis
advantage. The man was much strong
.er than [, and as [ threw myself upon
him | slipped and partly fell, and an in
slant later I was upon ny back on the
ground, close grip at my throat, and
an ugly face peeripg into mine.
" Who are you, you fool? Do you
seek slit inyour throat, that you throw
yourself at my knife =? Speak low, he
continued, touching my bare neck with
the point of villainous- looking knife
he held IL his hand. "Who are you ?''
Without a moments thought I re-
piled:
81 am one of the owners OF this well.
Let me up and clear off from my land. +"
A fierce light famed in his eyes.
Course you I won't let you up un-
til [ have given you such pounding
you'u remember it as long as you live
Your pard has shot at me twice; now
I'll send him message IN your face. IL
you yell, he continued, speaking low
er, an drive my knife to your heart"
| was not frightened at the threatened
Aogging, for [ could run my chance of