The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-07
sECOND-SIGHT SHOOTIN"'
An Old Marksman's sad Shot nj q freeing
C,nvict

Convict.
Ora night an old fellow came 10 the
stockade where the conyicts were penned'
aud said that he heard that more guards
were needed
1--WE do need more guards, the super
intendent replied, but do you thinK
that you could serve our purpose
Eyes, think l can"
but you're pretty old"
II know that, but I've got my second
sight, and 1 can shoot gun about as
well as | ever could, and that's one OK
the main requirements. | reckon.
Eyes. the orders are strict-shoot any
convict that attempts to get away. But
II strikes me that you are little TOO
old"
The old fellow stood under a lamp
swinging from a crossbeam in the guard
ROOM His gray whiskers and MS whlte
hair. catching the moving light ana the
following shadow, gave him weHuiy
venerable look.
Now, you may think I'm too DID, put
I'm not" he urged. III kill any man
that tries to get away; and. not only
this. II they should try TO oyerpower me
they'll find me the handiest man with
gun they ever saw. Cap'n, l wish you'd
give me this place, for l need it. Some
how | haven't the heart TO do much or
ANYTHING. and for a good While nave
inst been drifting from one place 10 an
other. Family's all gone-wife's dead
and my children are scattered every
where Give me the place, Captain and
I'll do my duty"
What is your manner?
"Weu l have been called old Am
brose' so long that / hardly know what
my other name is. Reckon you'd better
call me Old Ambrose
II don't know whether to take you or
not. MIR. Ambrose
"Old Ambrose, il you please"
"Au right. then, Old Ambrose. AS L
was saving. I don't know whether TO take
Won or not. A number Of convicts have
GOT awav lately. and the lessee is held re-
sponsible. and he. OF course, looks TO
me-"
Yves. that's all very well. but still 1
am afraid. But we do need another man.
are you willing to get up mornings at .
0'clock2"
my dear sir, can't sleep after 4
You can stand a diet Of corn bread
and beef?'
my dear sir, wheat pIedu SN0S .ii0
dyspepsia, and beef is my only meat
"All right, Mr.. Ambrose
"Old Ambrose. SIT"
rIT right. old Ambrose, I'll try you
for a while, any way. Tomorrow morn
ing YOU will 20 with a gang to the second
embankment. about two miles from here,
| and you'll have to get up earlier than 5
/ o'clock"
"Al right, sir"
And / think you'd better turn in now,
so as to get enough Sleep
II will, SIR
by the way, your guns In the cor
ner."
THANK you, sir"
Early the next morning the old man
moved out with the squad, and just be-
fore the embankment was reached ne
thus addressed another guard: II hated
10 do this kind Of work, but the truth Is
I'm hardly fit for anything. I've Travelled
| 200 miles since had a regular job and l
made a dead set at this one, and I'm go
ing IN keen 1t II l can. / reckon all a
man has before him is his duty ana
! never had nv duty 10 scare me yet.
T hone | won't have TO shoot at one OF
these convicts. for, as l said last night,
I'VE got nv second sight. and man that
oyer could shoot can shoot better thah
ever when his second sight comes
Old Ambrose stood at one END OF tne
Commandment II was just about day
I,gb, suddenly convict fell, rolled
down the embankment, and then. spring,
ing ia his feet. made a break for WOOD
not q great distance away.
"Halti' Old Ambrose cried. Inc con,
vict paid no attention. Three times diu
ora Ambrose cry halt, and then hred-
The convict fell.
you got him" said the construction
boss. coming forward.
yves I know he's done for l was 60
10, 80 sboot him I'm the leg. but just as
7 pulled the trigger he stepped In 10"
nlace. I'm going over to see the poor
fellow III, hi,,
Tho construction boss went with nm
II was now broad daylight. The con
,Sct Law on his face. The constructor
bosa turned him over. "Merciful Cod
old Ambrose cried, sinking upon hi ,
Knees. 1t was his son.-Chicago Journal