The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-04-23
FIGHT OF A QUIET MAN.
HOW THE ROUGH ROADS WE'RE
SURPRISED.
The Mstchlss Buiiy Goes Into Cellar
with = Modest Traveller, and IL
Carrisd Out by He Late
Admlrsrs-

nlver stunub TINS ola house. OncC Ia
nous among among the river men as o
place OF revelry. a harbor for fugitives
from the pioneer justice OF the time
and place whore physical proves
was the one safeguard OF purse or
person. A good many stories cling to
the spot and any good guide can tell
OF battles that chill the blood OF the
summer tourist For in the days
when the Dell House was at its best
great RATS of logs went down the
river In charge OF gangs OF men who
drank and swore and fought like ell
the pirates in Algiera
Once upon q time-the Chicago
Herald says the guide will tell you
Bill Endson came down with raft OF
pine from the upper woods and before
pushing through the narrow gorge
now called The Dells." he tied up at
the Dell house and told his men that
they might stay all night Among the
crew was one Flintsore a bully who
had beaten half the men in the party.
and only waited proper opportunity
before tackling old Bill Endson him
self; and, although old Bill had for
years been called the best man on the
river. he was afraid OF the savage
raftsman who fought so like a tiger.
and whose passion was never stated until
his victim was unconscious. Bill had
decided II ever trouble did arise be-
tween them he would kill Flintsore
with an ak rather than meet him hand
to hand
Sitting in one corner OF the Dell
house. when the noisy crew came
laughing and swearing in at the door.
sat a short square man, with. q
rather large bundle on the floor be-
side him. He paid no attention to
the men, and at first they allowed
him to pass unnoticed. But as liquor
stirred their blood they grew more
boisterous and invited him to join
them. He declined. and again they
gave him some moments OF peace.
After while the widest rafter
in the party came over to the corner
and asked the quiet man what he had
in his bundle. He declined to an
swer, simply saying it was his own,
and that he was taking it down to
Madison. The rafter was angry. and
he amused himself by standing across
the room and tossing empty whisky
bottles at the motionless bundle.
You stop thatp' yelled old Bill
Endrson. That man is not bother
ing us and we won't bother him"
But we WILL" said Flintsore, who
had not yet seen so good an OPP
portunity to quarrel with his rival.
Words could but lead to blows with
these men. They were unarmed and
there was no chance for postponement
They stepped outside on the level.
grassy plat OF ground and engaged in
a battle which is still remembered by
the pioneers. They rolled over on
the ground; they sent in heavy blows;
they kicked. wrestled, bit and gouged
till old Bill was utterly beaten and lay
defenseless against the brutal blows
that fell upon him.
Flintsore desisted at last and the
other rivermen took the victim TO the
river and washed his wounda
Then Fliutsore went into the house
and approached the quiet man. who
alone had not followed the fighters
outside and watched them.
NOW what you got in that bundle?'
he demanded.
mo matter what I've got" re-
turned the short man; ats none of
your business.
Then you get up and fight"
oil tulr
and | will fight you" responded the
quiet man; and there was that in his
eye which promised he would keep
his word. You take an hour TO rest
up. Then we will go in the cellar to-
gether. lock the door inside and throw
the key out through the bars. After
that God have mercy on the weaker
man."
Flintsore was wild with delight
Here was a chance for two good fights
in one day. He took a drink to his
own good luck. and then stretched out
on the floor and waited
When the hour was up the quiet man
cast one long look a. his still notion
less bundle, stripped to his shirt and
led tho way 10 the cellar. The base
ment was walled with rock. The
door was heavy and strong. The WIN
dows were barred with iron. The
floor was earth.
They locked the door, tossed the
key out through the grating. and
moment later the crowding river men
outside knew the fight had begun.
They could see little through the bars
They pressed their faces against tho
windows climbing upon each other
for vantage point till the only air
passage was choked. and the men in
side fought In poisoned atmosphere.
They were there scarcely twenty
minutes Then the man who had
been quiet came to the window and
calmly asked for the key. Besides
him there was not sound In the ce l.
lar He unlocked the door. and they
crowded In. There. In the middle OF
the floor. lay Flintsore bound hand
and foot gagged almost beyond the
point OF breathing and stripped
naked. The tough clothing which
had covered him now held HIM dis
graced prisoner. When he had been
freed the men asked him II he wanted
to try 1t again.