St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-06


as 1.-THE and Springy as a panther. In
those days men were not very particular
about the character of their amusement,
although nothing mean or undetermined
ever took place among them, says the
San Francisco Alta. Their rough cour-
teSy was genuine and hearty, and they
were as brave as Norman baronS or
Paladins of France. They at times had
little regard for human life, but in their
deadly affrayS they took the lion and not
the hyena for their model. They adj
mired courage and strength because
these We're qualities which came every
day into reQuiSitiOn, and without them
there was neither peace nor safety in
the then lawleSS realm of the gold
seekers.
Among these pioneers of the wilder
ness Kicking Tom had grown into uni
VerSal popularity. He was generous,
brave and kindly, and what perhaps en-
deared him to his associates more than
anything else, he was always foremost
in the rough sports of the camp. He
was ever ready for fun and frOlic, and
it was matter of supreme Indifference
to him whether this took the form of
pleasant episodes or rough fighting. He
eXemplified the ola adage that lit is
just as good TO fight as to eat" One
way - AilliASl hCAl-
can burrO which soon obtained a wide
celebrity as vicious animal, who, when
excited, would attack man or beast with
desperate fury. Several mountain
ponies
HAD BEEN KICKED TO DEATH b Y HIM.
and more than one man had nearly lost
lis life by the savage heels of the brute
So exciting had become the record of
the jacks achievements that they be-
came the subject of universal CONVERSE
ton and inquiry among the miners. Sit
ting in their cabins they spun wonder
full tales of what he had done and was
capable of doing.
He is the liveliest kicker in the
world" said one.
You are all right, old man. That
beast can kick the hair off a mans head
without touching the Skin," replied one
OF his companions.
This was touching Tom in tender
place, and after a moments reflection
he spoke up with the remark:
''He can't Outkick me-" The Obser-
Yation was received by the group in
amazed silence.
Lord, Tom! Why. he'd make mince-
meat of you in minute"
Would hep" replied the athletic In
dianian. Then he can have the chance.
III " NICK lOI clUU, dIlu HAY
best man WIN"
Or the best jack" laughingly inter-
posed companion.
Il mean what | say, old man, so don't
be too spry with your tongue" And
TOMS brOwS lowered in gathering anger.
His friend apologiZed for the Jest and
the crowd dispersed for the night.
The next day the rumor went wild
through the camp that Tom was willing
to kick the burrO for a wager. In the
dusk of the evening the miners gathered
in from their work and discussed the
subject in all its bearings. Opinion as
to the match was about evenly divided.
IF ANYTHING, TOM WAS TIE FAVORITE.
Under these circumstances mill for
500 side was easily arranged between
the beast and the man. and it was de-
cided that the conflict should come eff
Oh the next Sunday afternoon.
Promptly at the appointed hour every
1nhabitant of Dutch Flat was assembled
In little level spot just outside the
limits of the camp. The preliminaries
were quickly arranged and the fight
began. The beast seemed to take in the
situation at glance, and laying back
his ears he watched his wary opponent
with angry eyes. Suddenly Tom leaped
forward and landed a terrific kick
squdItlI Oh lIe Junction OF the neck
and head. The brute reeled before the
force of the blow, but recovering on the
instant he wheeled and launched
both heels at his antagonist. The
man leaped aside and as
quick as lightning responded with
another fearful kick on the burrO's
neck. And so the conflict ragged. Some
times the jack would get in savage
blow on his opponent, but oftener the
man had the best of it; and at last, put
ting forth all of his wonderful strength.
he landed a kick with the fury and ire
siStible force of pile-driver on the
jacks neck, which had been his object
i've point from the beginning. The
beast reeled back and with convulsiye
culver fell over dead. Tom was terribly
bruised, but no bones were broken and
In few DAYS he was as spry as ever.
The miners next day gave the jack a
regular funeral. Amid all the pomp
and circumstance of the camp he was
laid to rest under the sod of the valley,
and local poet thus canonized his MEM
Dry:
Lay his WaXen hoofs together,
Fold back his long and spreading ears,
For he has gone to blend his geehaw
With the music of the spheres,