The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-06-09
arduous, and having plenty of leisure
gime, / spent much Of it in the town.

The next afternoon found me with
several comrades, stationed on the
plaza near the Cafe del Norte. While
lettering idly along the ranchman
who had lost so heavily the night pre-
vious passed us at a rapid pace, seem
ingly excited and directing his steps
toward the cafe. The thought struck
me in an instant that he was hunting
for the "King," and we FASTENED to
follow him into the cafe. The gambler
was sleeping peacefully on the settee.
The ranchman drew his pistol and
hurried across the room, then touch
ing the sleeper lightly on the shoulder,
shouted, Boyd, I've got the drop on
yer! Wake up and prepare to pass in
yer checks, for Pm going to kill yer!"
and holding the pistol close down he
fired two shots into his abdomen.
The King fell gently back as
though to resume his slumber.
I had a cavalry revolver strapped
to me, and in my boyish recklessness
1 drew the pistol and would have shot
the ranchman had not the. sheriff,
who was present, interfered.
The cattleman walked coolly out on
the plaza, pistol in hand, the smoke
still curling out of the muzzle. But
the sheriff, determined man, called
out, "halt!" and "both hands up"
covering him the same instant. .
"Wall, what do yer want?"> ...
"Im going to arrest yer pard, dead
Or alive!."
"Well, now, you're good 'un,
must say. But Pm not so sartin
about that pard. I've jest shot one
man, another won't make much diff
ference with the sum total, in the
great reckonin' hereafter" Seemingly
in a stupor, however, he unbuckled
his belt and threw it with the pistols
far from him, then meekly followed
the sheriff.
Myself and comrades raised the limp
form of the gambler and bore it up
the green-swarded hillside to the
shanty rudely erected by himself, I'M
der the friendly shade OF several tall
cotton woods, and laid him down on
the rough couch to die. Lighting a
lamp-for the shades Of evening were
at hand-we commenced the DEATH
watch. Human skill, even though it
were available, could not have saved
him. He had received his death
wound.
This gambler, stranger to me-
though very dear friend-was dying,
and tears coursed down my cheeks like
summer rain drops. While gazing up
on his liieless form, a slight
tremor OF the lids was noticeable.
He regained consciousness, the
eyes opened, and he looked up at me
so pitiful.
"Harvey, is that your"
Eyes, sir, it is me; poor old fellow
can do anything for your"
"Oh! yes. Water, water!"
l fastened to bring it from a spark
ling rivulet that trickled down the
hillside, and holding it to his parched
lips he drained the cup, and pressed
my hands as token of thanks
"Harvey, come nearer and take my
hand. You haye been q true friend to
me, my boy. My end is near, the
gamblers race is run. Take warning
never touch card. I'm not afraid
to die, Harvey, but then it was such
a cowardly act; not a chance to de-
fend myself. Awoke to die! TITS
awful, is it not?"
Eyes sir, it was most dreadfully
cowardly; but rest assured, though,
that your death will be avenged. They
| are talking of it even now"
81 would have quit it all today,
Harvey, and gone back to those who
have been waiting to see me these
many years. Harvey you are an
honest lad; you would not rob the
poor widow and orphan of what is
rlghtfully theirs--if trust you with a
mission?" 49,. ..>>. :, .....-. . e.. "
upon my life, sir, I will mott"
! Tears we're flowing in streams now as
[ gazed down upon this strong man
about to die. He requested my COM
rades to leave the shanty for a time,
then turning to me reached forth g.
large roll of bills, winnings of the pre-
vious night.
"Take it, Harvey! My dear friend,
this is for you; take it, and sometimes
think kindly OF me-"
"No, no! 1 can't sir; don't ask it,
please!
"Pshaw! Yes, you must accept it..
Remember it is the request of a dying
man, and I have much to require OF
you in return. And-and-iti is grow
ing very dark-light a light, Harvey!"
'"There is one, sir; but I'll light an
othern'
There was no use to refuse the mon
ey further, so accepted it.
"Harvey, when Pm gone, dig deep
down under the fire, place; you will
find an Iron pot containing $1OO, 900
in bills. On the top cover is letter
addressed; promise me, Harvey, that
you will take the whole amount to
my wife and child. And tell them
Oh! tits hard to die thus! And tell
them my last thoughts were ofthem-
who | SO cruelty deserted. Quick, boy,
quick, for it is growing very, very
dark. Will you promise?"
Yes, yes! l will surely do what you
ask, If my life is spared"
'"Then am content to die. There
is no pain, only, it is so yer y dark!
Harvey, can you pray?"
Who, placed in my position, could
say no? was not certain of M y abil-
ity, but replied: .s...
ayes, think So" E
Kneeling about the couch of death,
| ,,,yco1f or1