The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-01-22
CHEEK BETTER THAN A "eUN."

An Argument Against Carrying RevoIvers
Illustrated 3y an Example.
The advisability of carrying n re-
volvcr was one of n number of topics
discussed by party of gcntlomcn in
an uptown cafe tho other evening.
81 always have one about me-" said
n young man. II live in n new part of
the city where there are only few
houses. We have had number of
burglaries in the ncighborhood recent
ly. Besides, I'm liable to DC attacked
on my wav home any night
"Pshaw!" exclaimed another of the
group-a man whose face was bronzcd,
who had travelled extensively. What
if you are? If any shooting is done
the man who attacks you always
shoots first don't carry arms, never
have, and I've been where every body
else had 'em, and used 'cm, too
Then he told story.
Some years ago." he said, 81 was
travelling on horseback through
Nevada 1t was hard journey. To-
ward evening of the first day came to
mining town. The hotel was tent
The bar was board placed on two
barrels. Back of it were bartender
and bottles and glasses. The cots for
boarders and travellers were in room
which was separated from the bar
room by partition of canvas. 1 re-
tired early. 1 was very tired, having
ridden steadily for hours. and I quickly
fell asleep. Pretty soon was awak-
cned by a commotion in the bar room.
L heard n man saying, I'll blow the
whole top O. your head off! Stick out
your tongue and I'll shoot it off," And
l heard another man pleading for his
life
81 was annoyed. wanted to sleep.
l heard some men who were occupying
cots near me talking in whispers.
whats the matter out there?' l
asked of them, as the threats and the
pleading began again.
S-s-s-h, don't speak SO loud, said
one of them That's Bill Thompson,
the toughest man in camp. He's drunk,
and when he's drunk he's dangerous.
II was cross. why don't some one
shut him up SO that we can go to sleep?
asked.
"You can have the job; we don't
want it. was the answer.
well, l was SO indignant ut being
awakened that never thought of dan
ger. l dressed and stepped into the
bar-room. Only two men were there.
One was big and brawny, with bright
red hair and beard. He was rubbing
the barrel of revolver under the nose
of n looking little man,
who was knccling before him and beg
ging him not to shoot
whats that man done that you
should want to shoot him?' inquired.
81 suppose nv check must have stag
gered the big man. He stared at me n
moment and then said: Who the hi
are you? Are you fixed?'
"'Do you mean am 1 armed? asked.
"'Ycs, he answered, with long string
of curses.
mo l said, Sim not. l wouldn''
shoot you if I was. But you're dis
turbing the whole camp l want to
sleep. And if that man has done any
thing why shoot him. If he hasn't, lie
all night.
THAT man was the picture of aston
ishment He actually gasped Sucl
an experience was unprecedented il
lis career He finally told the kneel
ing man 10 get up and get out, which
did quickly. 1 hunted up the bar
tender and we had nightcap together
Thompson departed, shaking his heat
over something that he couldn't under
stand l went to sleep. The next
morning l was frightened at what h t
done. | was hero while 1 stayed il
camp, though. Now, if / had gon
near that fellow with revolver in m,
hand he would surely have killed me.
''I'll give my revolver away to-mor
row." said the young man, land cult
vatc cheek like yours. Savanna
News.