Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-05-20


his trousers and coat heavily fringed
and the front of the latter beaded
and porcupined after the fashion OF an
Indian chiefs costly garment OF state.
He carried long. very heavy rifle
in his right hand, wore at button on
his coat an immense bowie knife, and
in his belt brace Of fint-lock pistols
] half as long as his gun
who are you that dares to intrudc
among gentlemen without being in
vitedpn Numbered ont Colonel Nor
ton, at the same moment endeavor-
ing to COW down the stranger BY the
ferocious glance of his eye.
The stranger returned the colonel's
stare with compound interest, at the
instant laying long, bony finger on
his lips as sign, but of what import
the committee was at loss to deter
mine.
who are youP Speak. or will
cut an answer out of your heart,
yelled the incensed colonel, almost
insane with rage at the calm, sneer-
ing manner Of the stranger, who now
at this last demonstration OF the iras-
chile colonel, removed the finger
from his lips and laid his hand on
the hilt of his immense bowie.
The fiery colonel upon this move
ment drew his dagger, and was in the
act of advancing upon the stranger,
when several friends interfered. and.
holding him back, demonstrated:
"Let him alone. Morton. for Gods
sake! Don't you see the mans crazy ~
At this juncture Judge Webb a
man of fine intellect and courteous
gentleman in all his department.
stepped toward the stranger and adj
dressed him in a most respectful
style; .'My good friend, / presume
you have made mistake in the
house. This is private meeting,
where none but members are ad-
mitted.
The intruder did not appear to
understand the words Of the Judge,
but he could not fail to comprehend
the mild deprecatory manner in
which he addressed him. His stern
features relaxed Immediately, and,
moving toward table in the middle
Of the room on which were writing
materials, he took up a pen and
wrote one line: II am deaf. He
then held it up before his audience
as sort Of apology for his apparent
lack of politeness.
Judge Webb took the paper and
wrote question: Dear sir, will you
be SO obliging as to inform US what
is your present business with the
meeting?n
The stranger responded promptly
by handing him a letter Inscribed:
ITO the Citizens Of Austin" The
judge broke the seal and read the
contents aloud. 1t was from Pres
ident Houston, and showed the terse-
ness Of his usual style:
yellow Citizens: Though in error, and de-
ceived By traitors I will give you three days
more 20 dc .ide whether you win surrender the
public archives. At the end OF that time you
will please let me knew your de ision.
SAM HoUsToS.
After the document had been read
the man waited few moments as il
for a reply, then turned and was
about to leave the hall when Colonel
Morton interposed and sternly beck
oned him back to the table again,
where he was still sitting The stran-
ger obeyed. The colonel took up
a pen and wrote: ''You were brave
enough to insult me by your threat
enfng looks ten minutes ago; are you
brave enough to give me satisfac-
tion?n The stranger instantly penned
his reply: Il am at your service"
Colonel Morton wrote again: who
will be your second?"
The stranger answered with pen:
Il am too generous to seek an adj
vantage, and too brave to fear
any on the part Of others. therefore,
/ never need a second" The colonel
then wrote: "Name your time
Again the stranger traced. without
moments hesitation: .Time, sun
set this evening; place, the left bank
OF the Colorado, opposite Austin;
weapons, rifles, and distance 100
yards" Then, taking three steps
across the floor, he disappeared.
After he had gone Judge Webb ex-
claimed: What! is it possible,
Colonel Morton. that you intend to
fight that man? He is a mute, il
not positive maniac. Such a meet
ing, / fear, will sadly tarnish the
lustre of your laurels.
..You are mistaken" replied the
colonel with smile. 'that mute is a
hero, whose fame stands in the
records of a dozen battles and at
least half as many bloody ducls. Be
sides, he is the bosom friend Of GEN
eral Houston. If ! have the good
fortune to kill MIN. / think it viii
tempt the president to retract his
vow against yenturing any more on
the field Of honor"
who is he?" inquired dozen
voices together.
deaf Smith" answered Colonel
Morton, coolly
".Deaf Smith was killed at the
battle Of San Jacinto," remarked
Judge Webb.