The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-10
KICKING A JACKASS.
A Californian Backed Against q Mex
lean Burro.


lean Burro.
rom the San Fmncisco Alta.
In the early days Of Dutch Flat n large
boncd and gigantic lndianian WIS known
to his rough but kindly associates Of
Kicking Tom" lie had won the nick
name by reason OF the terrific force with
which he could launch his great sinewy
foot against an opposing object. lie was,
besides, ms 1.-the and springy as panther.
In those daysmcn were not very particular
about the character Of their amusement,
although nothing mean or undetermined
ever took place among them. Their rough
courtesy was genuine and hearty, and
they took the lion and not the hycna for
their model They admired courage and
strength because these wero qualities
which came every day into requisition.
and without them there was neither peace
nor safety In the then lawless realm OF tho
gold seekers.
Among these pioneers Of the wilderness
Kicking Tom had grown into universal
popularity. lie was generous, brave and
kind, and what perhaps endeared him 10
his associates more than anything else, he
WIS always foremost In the rough sports Of
the camp. He was ever ready for fun
and irolic. and II was a matter OF extreme
Indifference 10 him whether this took the
form OF plcasantep episodes or rough fighting.
lie cxemplifed the old adage that 'lt IA
just ~ good 10 fight "A Ia eat" One day a
miner brought into camp Mexican burro,
which soon obtained wide celebrity as a
vicious animal, who, when excited, would
attack man or beast with desperate fury.
Several mountain ponies had been kicked
IN death 10y him, aud more than one man
had nearly lost his life nj the heels Of the
brute. so exciting had become the record
of the Jacks achievements that they be-
came the subject IL universal conversation
and inquiry among the miners. Sittingin
their cabins they spun wonderful tales of
what he had done and was capable Of
doing
"lle Is the liyclies, kicker in the world"
said one.
"You are right, old man. That beast
can kick the hair of n mans head without
touching the skin, replied ono Of his com.
panions
This was touching Tom in tender
place, and after n moments reflection he
spoke up with the remark:
"IIe can't outkick mo-" The observa-
ton was received by the group in amazed
silence.
"IOrd, Tom! Why, he'd make mincc
meat out of you In minute"
"Would he7" replied the athletic In
dianinn. Then he can have the chance.
I'm ready 10 kick for 500, and may tho
hest man win"
cor the best jack" laughingly inter.
posed n companion.
IL mean what uay old man, 10 don't
be too spry with your tongue" And
Toms brows lowered In gathering anger
His friend apologizcd for the Jest and the
crowd dispersed tor the night.
The next day the rumor went wild
through the camp that Tom was willing 10
kick the burro for wager. In the dusk
Of the evening the miners gathered In
from their work and discussed the subject
In all is bearings. Opinion ~ 10 the
match was about evenly divided. II any.
thing, Tom was the iavorite. Under these
circumstances a mill for $iO0a side was
easily arranged between the beast and the
man. and Il was decided that the conflict
should come of on the next Sunday after.
noon.
Promptly At the appointed hour every
inhabitant Of Dutch Flat was assembled
in n little level spot just outside the limits
OF the camp. The prelimnarics wero
quickly arranged and the 6sh, began. The
beas, seemed 10 take In the siinaiion nj q
glance, and laying back hisca's he watched
his wary opponent with angry eyes Sud.
denly Tom lcapcd forward and landed a
terrific kick sqnaply on the junction Of
tho neck and head. Tho brute rcccd be.
fore the force Of the blow, but recovering
ON the instant he wheeled and launched
both heels ut his antagonist. Tho man
lcapcd aside and as quick rs lightning NJ.
spondcd with another fearful Kick ON the
burro's nccb. Aud 10 the conflict ragged.
Sometimes the Jack would &c, In a savage
blow ON his opponent, but oftcner the man
had the best o(Is aud at last, putting forth