The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-04-13

"A of an upper window of the court. house. and yelled "T V. Balch T. V. Balchl" The far uers got mp and went into the house; a man, evidently T. V. Balch, came out of "doggery" and hastened up the steps an old negro drove an OK wagon on the square, and in lusty voice proclaimed the great commercial fact that he had ginger cakes and cider for sale and patent medicine man, standing on a corner, entertained a motley crowd. Dogs fought, and mares neighed for their wayward colts After while the voice of lawyer could be heard, plead ing the cause of some unfortunate wretch. A heavy cloud had plotted out the sun. The air was sultry, and a low rumble of thunder came from the west. Nearly twelve o'clock Our men were walking about or lazy leaning against fence Sam sat in large goods box, humming tune. Britsides and several of his followers had been gone for some time. The tavern bell rang for dinner. Suddenly there came from the square loud cry of Look outp and then there came the startling report of gun. Quick the wink of an excited eye, the lazy in the lot was turned into nerve strung alert ness. Jim Britsdes bounded the fence. He had lost his hat, and his long hair streamed like the mane of a runaway horse.
 "Out with your guns," he yelled. "Out with your guns, for the devil has broke loose. Steady, here they are !"
 In moment party of men, some of them on horseback, dashed around the corner and opened fire upon us lt was desperate onslaught, almost surprise, but Brtsides' men, without a tremor, met the attack-that is, have been told so for to me 1t fierce, almost self fforgetful excitement, visible only in glmpses Yell alter yell--howls of rage Oaths and exultant cries of vengeance an enemy fell in hand to- hand encounter. I saw a Savely beat down a Britsides and blow out his brains, and then saw young Sam shoot the Savey dead. A horse, ridden by SAvely, dashed upon me-hemmed me up in a corner l felt the ani- malls hot breath upon my face. The rider stood high in the stirrups and swung Winchester rifle over my head. The gun fell-the man rolled off the horse, dead. Young Sam Britsides waved his hand at me and laughed. Timely was his shot, for my pistols were empty. did not see Boyd Savely, but once thought that heard his voice, urging his men to keep cool. We were outnumbered the fence was broken down and we were forced out upon the public square. The fight thus far (although it was hours to mel could not have lasted more than few moments, for excited people, not having had time to get out of the way, were fleeing up and down the streets, and the ourt-house doors were thronged with men, struggling to force their way out Wounded horses broke loose from the racks, and plunged furiously among the people; dog, with a shot through his body, howled with death tone in his voice runaway team struck the patent medicine mans stand and scattered his bottles in every drec- ton one of the steers yoked to the old negros cider wagon dropped dead, and the other one, without the least show of COT cern, stood chewing mouthful of hay. There was time for contem- plation-what did see saw at mere glance
 On the square our men were scattered. Some of them fought from behind the corners of the court house. but, dislodged, were forced further back. Now could see Boyd Savely. His hat was of, and saw him throw back his head and shake his wavy hair. The next moment Britsides who had, without intention, stepped in front of me, sank to the ground. Jim Britsides was here there, everywhere it seemed.
 "The blacksmith shop!" he cried. "Run for the blacksmith shopI"
 The shop was just down the street from the court house. In a moment more we were fighting from its gloomy precinct. I wondered why Brit sides had not ordered his into the court house. but discovered his reason the Saveys had forestaled him. The firing now slow and deliberate. bead was drawn on every head that showed itself
 "Keep cool, men," said Jim Brtsides. "Don't throw away your powder. Keep it in they make rush. God, but they have used us up Listen Some of our men still up the street
 e.