The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1893-01-21

the wall Of the building, he leapsd With
ont the elighteet Yorping through high
window and VA immediately n the pres
ence &C thelsecSet guardians a. the city =
Welfare. He was dressed throughout in
buckakin, the seams Of his trousers and
coat heavily fripged and the front. of the
latter beade1 md poropptned. sf!er the
fashion Of a Indian CHATS costly gar
ment Of STATE. 40 carried long, very
heavy rife in his right hand. wore at q
button on his coat an immense bowie
knife, and iq his beta brace of flint lock
pistols half y long - his gun.
"Whq are yop that darea. to intrude
among gentlemen without being invited ~
Numbered out Colonel Morton, at the
same moment endeavorfng to COW down
the stranger by the ferocious glance OF
his eye.
The stranger returned the COLONEL
stare with compound interest, at the in
slant laying long, bony finger on his
lips - sign, but Of what import the
committee was at loss to determine.
who are yoq1 Speak, orI will out an
answer ont af Jour heart. yelled the
incensed Colonel, almost insane with rage
al the calm, snesring manner of the
stranger, WHO now, at this last demon
stratiol o. the lrascible Colonel, removed
the finger from his lips and laid his hand
on the hilt Of: his immense bowie.
The fiery Colonel upon this movement
drew his dagger, and was in the act of
advancing upon the stranger, when sew
eral friends interfered, and holding him
back, remoastnted; "Let him alone,
Morton, for Gods sake! Don't you see
the mans crazy7'
At this junctqre. Judge Webb, man Of
fine intellect and courteous gentleman
in al his department, stepped toward the
stranger and addressed him in most re-
spectful style: "My good friend, I pre-
sumo you have made q mistake in the
house. This is private meeting, where
none but members are admitted"
The intruder did not appear to under
stand the words Of the Judge. but he
could not fail to comprehend the mild,
deprecatory manner in which he ad-
dressed him. His stern features relaxed
Immediately, and, moving toward table
in the middle Of the room On which were
writing materials, he took up pen and
traced one line; II am deaf" He then
held it up before his audience as sort of
apology for his apparent lack of polite
ness.
Judge Webb took the paper and wrote
a question: "Dear sir, will you be 90
obliging as to inform us what is your
present business with the meeting7"
The stranger responded promptly by
handing him letter inscribed; "To the
Citizens of Austin" The Judge broke
the seal and read the contents aloud. It
was from President Houston, and showed
the terseness of his usual style:
FELLOW CITIZENS: Though in error,
and deceived by traitors, will give you
three days more to decide whether you
will surrender the public archives. At the
end Of that time you will please let me
know your decision. SAM HousToN."
After the document had been read the
man waited few seconds as if for re-
ply, and then turned and was about to
leave the hall when Colonel Morton in
terposed and sternly beckoned him back
to the table again, where he was still sit
ting. The stranger obeyed. Then the
Colonel took up pen and wrote; "You
were brave enough to insult me by your
threatening looks ten minutes ago; are
yop brave enough now to give me salts
factions" The stranger instantly penned
his reply: II am at your service"
Colonel Morton wrote again: "Who
will be your second"
The stranger answered with pen: II
am too generous to seek an advantage,
and too brave to fear any on the part of
others, therefore, never need second"
The Colonel then wrote: shame your
time"
Again the stranger traced, without
moments hesitation ''Time, sunset this
evening; place, the left bank Of the Col
orado, opposite Austin; weapons, rifles,
and distance 100 yards" Then, taking
three steps across the floor, he disap-
peared.
After he had gone Judge Webb e4-
claimed: what! Is it possible, Colonel
Morton, that you intend to fight that
mani He is q mute, if not positive ma.
MAC. Such meeting, l fear, will sadly
tarnish the luatre Of your laurela."
"Yop are Mistaken" replied the Colonel
with smile, "that mute is hero, whose
fame stands in the records of q dozen
battles, and at least half as many bloody
duels. Besides, he is the bosom friend
Of General Houston. If / have the good
fortune to kill him, think it will tempt
the President to retract his vow against
ventqripg any more on the field of honor"
"Who is bet" inquired q dozen voices