The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-05-16
"OLD PLUG HAT"

At one OF the social meetings held at q
clergyman's house recently an old Texan
was guest. Although advanced in years,
his figure was tall, straight and athletic,
and evidently he had been a man Of ac-
tion and adventure. His hearty, natural
manner and ready conversation soon
made him favorite with all present.
Some one in the company suggested that
he might describe or tell story of
frontier life. At the request, his black
eyes sparkled, and with broad smile,
which deepened scar in one of his
bronzed cheeks, he at once showed his
readiness to comply.
Said he: "There are good many sto-
ries to tell about that kind of life, and /
hardly know what to pick out suitable for
church folks; but perhaps you might like
to hear about 'Old Plug Hat young
Methodist minister who came out our
way nigh on to thirty-five years ago?
"Well, about that time young, slen-
der chap came to our cattle ranch, which
was something like forty miles west of
San Antonio. He said he had studied for
the ministry In some Connecticut college,
! forget which, had broken his health,
wanted to rough 1t with us to see II he
could get strong again; was willing to do
anything for his keep, or would pay his
way. His pleasant, frank way won the
boys at once; besides, he was q novelty
for us; we'd never seen much OF full
grown parsons; SO we made the yerlin'
Welcome, gave him his quarters and let
him run himself pretty much as he liked.
"He stayed with US over q year, and
soon got some color in his cheeks and q
straighter backbone and heavier shoulders
than he had when he came. All of the
boys liked him on account of his plucky
way. He and / became close friends. We
taught him to ride fearlessly, manage q
lariat, and by his own practice he could
handle revolver surprisingly well, par
ticularly, small, fancy one he owned.
One Of his peculiarities, which / suppose
came from his prim Yankee training, used
to amuse Us. Every Sunday he'd carefully
fix himself up city fashion, and his
shiny silk hat appeared odd among q
score and more Of sombreros. Some one
playfully nicknamed him 'Old Plug
Hat and he was oftener called that than
anything else. He never bored Us with
church things. I've known him to pay
his share for whiskey and tobacco prompt
ly, though he could not be induced to use
any. II any of us were sick or hurt he
was the kindest nurse you ever saw-some
of the gang said II paid to be laid up
week or so SO as to listen to the interest
ing things he'd tell 'em.
"About three months before he left for
his home, two noted desperadoes, part
Mexican, part Indian, but really more
devil, made their appearance in our
region. They were known as Black Mex
and Big Cactus;' they had been long
feared and hated border terrors on ac-
count of their cruel, cunning, blood
thirsty character. They knew every road,
pass and secret hiding-place in that part
of Texas, and had robbed and murdered,
unscathed seemed to possess charmed
lives.
"We and the ranchmen near US felt
rather gloomy when we found out the
wretches had appeared in our neighbor-
hood, for we realized that sooner or later
some of our bands would muster a man or
more less. You see, those weren't rail-
road days down there then as now; and
there were times when one or two OF us
had to ride on errands to town. Some of
the boys would perhaps want to take or
send their money in for safe-keeping, or
have IL mailed or expressed to their rela-
tives; besides, medicines and other special
supplies had to be ordered or obtained.
Several good fellows were robbed and
killed in the first six weeks after they be-
gan their prowl; one was from our camp.
How could we be sure he was killed?
Well, when his horse escaped and found
his way back to us, blood spattered and
riderless, IL was pretty strong sort of a
telegram Another one of our men had
his horse and pouch stolen, and was left
bound fast to tree on dismal part of
the trail. He would have died there or
made supper for wild beasts
IL an army mailcarrier had not
accidentally seen him. 1t got SO
serious that we called a crowd to-
gether and held sort of council of war.
Mind you, there was plenty there who
would have openly faced one or both of
the rsscals; but nobody wanted to run
recklessly into an ambush. Lots of plans
were suggested as TO how we might
squelch or capture the miscreants, but
nothing seemed to fit the case without
foolish risks.
"Old Plug Hat, how would you like to
tackle 'em? half playfully asked one OF
the company OF the young parson, who
modestly sat in the meeting.
To the surprise OF the boys the young
ster eagerly rose and said:
"Tll. W illingly take the chances, and
was only waiting to ask the privilege. I'll
make the next trip TO town alone, and IL
meet with the scoundrels and they don't
get the pull on me, I'll guarantee to wipe
them out; SO please make motion that
I'm to co.
Somebody, who didn't want tosee the
young feller's feelings hurt by leaving
him out of the talk, made the motion. I
at once seconded IL, and urged that the
boy be allowed to try himself az q scout.
I'll tell You AZ told them, don't believe
in spirit manifestations and stun OF tnat
sort, but I've great faith in practical things
that I've had To learn by hard knocks.
j had seen plenty OF tough Indian
fghting and border wax before I