The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-10-30

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NOT MUCH DISTURBED.
self but he hung to her so persistently that
she finally became suspicious and alarmed.
All her efforts to draw away from him were
useless. The tough little Indian pony was
too much for her horse, and the negro
finally forged ahead.
With sinking heart, Mrs Dixon saw
the black man gradually draw away from
her, holding straight toward the locality of
the claim she had selected. When she
reached the claim, she found him on it, hav-
ing picketed his pony and spread light
tarpaulin that would serve the purpose Of a
tent to keep off rain or sun, although it was
open at the sides.
There was a desperate CLEAN in the WON
ans eyes as she pulled up her horse and
looked at the negro. He returned the look
in a manner both sullen and defiant.
You got ahead of me-" she confessed.
You have beaten me out of my last hopel
There is no chance for me in all the world
nowl'
WAS you headin for this claim" asked
the negro, speaking with little trace of the
southern darby dialect.
She bowed weakly, utterly exhausted by
the effort she had made to reach it in time.
well, / got here first, an SO it's mine,'
he declared.
you got here first" she confessed, slip
ping to the ground and facing him, but I
propose to fight for my property. Get off
this claimp'
She tried to draw a revolver from her
pocket, but the hammer caught in her
dress, and before she could release it the
negro leaped forward, caught her wrist and
wrspshed, the xenpon from her hand.
"Ill take this" said the burly black
man. 1T makes me a good pair, an a man
Is likely to need two guns in this country. .
Overcome by disappointment and fatigue
Mrs. Dixon sank in half fainting condi
ton. The negro looked at her, as If wonder
ing how he was going to get rid of her with.
out further trouble, but did not offer to
touch her again.
After time, feeling i'll and suffering
from the terrible heat of the sun, she asked
if she might rest in the shade of the tar.
paulin. He consented, and she crept there
while he picketed her horse not far from his
own.
Within half an hour a big, ruffianly look.
ing man galloped up. About his waist was
a belt that held small arsenal of weapons
Throwing his foaming horse back with a
strong pull, the fierce appearing stranger
glared at the negro.
How'd you git here, you black whelpi'
he snarled.
II rode here on that horse, )" was the reply.
IAN don't care about bein called black
whelp either!'
THE blazes you don't! That don't count
with me none whatever. You're on my
claim, an you've gotter git up and moseyl''
How does this happen to be your
claim"
"'Cause l picked it out first"
well, you didn't get here first after the
reservation was opened, an so ye can't hold
It,"
Can't Whoop Do you know mes"
mo"
well, I'm Jake Harte, all I've got a rec
ord I'll give you three minutes to git
started off this claim. If you don't, you'll
be planted right here, an I'll act as sexton
undertaken, mourner an the whole blamed
outfit"
There is woman under that tarpaulin
an she has right to this claim if you
don't recognize my right"
Jake Harte, one Of the most notorious OF
western ruffians, glanced at the woman,
who was watching the whole affair.
II don't care dern for her!" he cried.
She'll hey to git toor'
well, she won't git! She stays right
herel"
Harte reached for a revolver. He could
draw and shoot with remarkable swiftness,
but the negro had been watching for just
such a move, and he succeeded in firing
first. With a single shot the black man
broke the ruffian's right arm.
"Now, you git' commanded the darky,
ready to shoot again. Next time l will
put bullet through your heartI"
Cowed, baffied and wounded, the despera-
do rode away aud was soon lost to view
All day long the negro squatted on the
claim and defended it from those who tried
TO take possession. Near night he went to
the woman and said
There won't be any more after this land
reckon. Here's your revolver The claims
yours, an I'll be a witness for ye."
Without another word he mounted his
horse and rode away, And the widow held
the claim.