The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-02-09
Currvinr a Border Braegart.

When the branch OF the Missouri Kansas and
Texas Railway was extended in 1872 from Par
sons. Kan, to Dennson, Tex, says the New
York Herald, it went through a section practi
caly pre- empted by the marauding half breeds,
the rustlers and the criminals who subsequently
had to immigrate to mo Mans Land in the
Texas Panhandle. Respect for law
known quantity in that neighborhood, and as the
military were not ordered to help tue progress
sive railway corporation, men in charge Of the
work were greatly embarrassed in attempting
to protect the interests of their laborers.
The towns along the line of railway gradings
are almost as bad as those at the emo of the
track, which in the west are proverbial for orig
inal lnlquity. While this road was in course OF
construction the bold monte meh, their sisters
In SIN and as hne a coterle of criminals as ever
went unhung, hyenalike, swarmed about the
tent towns to prey upon the hard working
''hoooes' railway lsborersl. Shooting was as
common as swearing, and the canabalistic say
ing was exceptionally man was not served
for breakfast every morning" The officials
lived in cabooSes with extra timbered sides, sort
or fortresses on wheels, These precautions
were not in vain, as added tonnage from nu-
merous stray bullets testified before they were
sent out OF service.
Col. Edward LYnde had the contract for the
road, not enviable one, considering the
country from which he had to secure his sup
plies He was a fine looking man, tall 1.-THE,
active, alert and stranger to fear. He man
aged to carry on his task with good grace
through the Cherokee Nation, but things grew
tougher in the Choctaw district.
Col. Lynde made an engagement for trans
porting supplies with one Bill Dawson. a VERT
able border braggadocio" who had summing
record as "a killer" notched in the handles of
bus pistols. Dawson promised by contract to
bring hundred yoke OF oxen to the present
city or Enfalfa to carry supplies south. He
simply went out snd rounded up a similar num-
Der OF Texas steers and, yoKing these up with
difficulty started out. The novelty wore of for
the beasts after the first two days out and there
was grand stampede, In which wagons were
overturned, the steers broke away and confu-
sion reigned supreme. To add 20 the trouble
half-breeds began to loot the wagons and
teamSters had plenty of pistol practice. Daw-
son made no attempt TO modify matters, but
rode away south.
Col Lynde soon heard of the confusion, and
after putting guard over the wrecked wagon
train, started after the sharper with big MULE
teer named jim. 5O-mile chase brought them
up with Dawson, who was accompanied by a
viliainous Mexican. Dawson reached for his
guns, but was promptly covered" by Big Jim.
The Mexican, who attempted to throw a muir
derous knife, dropped it with strange oath
when he got bullet through the wrist, DaW-
son was tied up with ropes like a trussed
chicken, thrown in the wagon and carried back
TO the end of the line where he was made to
square accounts. "
Dawson did not relish this, and swors that
Col Lyndes life should pay for his inconven-
fence during that ride, also making promissory
''notcn" for Big Jim.
One night about month after this affair Col
Lynde drove into the hamlet of Avoka, and
jumping from his blackboard, went into the
hotel" The bar was redolent of smoke, full
of bordernsn, and in the midst of the largest
group stood Dawson. Every man in the room
was accounted "a man of experience" and all
had heard Of the buly's boost.
Col. Lynde had never carried a gun for
reasons best known to himself, but here was a
dilemma where nerve must show, He walked
over to Dawson and pushed him aside. remark
ing in loud voice that he would shoot him on
sight If he ever crossed his path again He
then proceeded upstairs TO bed. This was not
pleasant, as the gang proceeded to flicker up"
making things Enthusiastically lively, and q
man was shot in the room directly beneath
him.
Early next morning Col Lynde went to the
stage office, his intention being 60 get away
from the town without trouble as quickly as
possible. The Office was a long, narrow room,
with a railing at one end. behind which the
agent was ensconsed. Col. Lynde was sitting
, within discussing the chances for peaceable
exit when there was connection in the street.
Dawson burst in the door and reeled In with q
revolver In each hand, With a loud oath and an
inquiry for Lynde. That worthy leaped over
the railing, and drawing huge, old-fashioned
pocket book from his hip pocket, started for
the would-be murderer, shouting. I've got you
now" Dawson evidently thought he had
struck a Kansas cyclone with q shooting
novelty. He simply turned and, fed as II
spurreG by the devil himself.
Col. Lynde was never disturbed thereafter
by border ruffiaus.