The herald., 1895-11-29
TWO ABLE KICKERS

In the days of San Gabriel canyon min
ing boom, in the '70s, a large boned and
gigantic Indianian was known to his
rongh but Kindly associates as "Kicking
Tom" He had won the nickname by
| could launch his great, sinewy foot
against an opposing object. One day a
miner brought into camp Mexi lean bur-
70, which soon obtained q wide celebrity
as vicious animal, who when excited
would attack man or beast with desperate
fury. Several mountain ponies had been
kicked to death by him, and more than
one man had nearly lost his life by the
savage Feels of the brute. So exciting
had become the record of tie Jacks
achievem.n ts that they became the sub
ject OF universal conversation and inquiry
among the miners. Sitting in their cab
ms they spun wonderful tales OF what he
had lone and was capable of doing.
HE is the liveliest kicker guing," said
one.
you are right, old man. That beast
can kick the hair off mans head with
out touching the skin" replied one of
his companions.
That was touching Tom in a tender
place. and after moments reflection he
spoke up with the remark:
He can't outkick me-
The j observation was received with
amazed silence.
Lord. Tom! Why, he'd make mince-
meat of you in minute.
Would he?" replied the athletic IndI-
anian. Then re can have the chance.
| ready to KICK for 500, and may the
best man VIM
''Or the best jack" interpo sed com.
panion.
II mean what say, old man, SO don't
be too spry with your tongue"
And Ions brow lowered in gathering
anger. His friend apologized TO- the
Jest and the crowd dispersed.
The next day the rumor went wild
through the camp that Tom was willing
to kick the burro for wager. In the
dusk of the evening the miners gathered
In from their work and discussed the sub
lect in all its bearings. Opinion as to the
match was about evenly divided. If
anything, Tom was the favorite. Under
these circumstances mill for 500 a
side was easily arranged between the
beast and the man, and 1t was decided
that the conflict should come off next
Sunday afternoon.
Promptly at the appoinsd hour every
inhaDtant OF the canyon and the village
that mas since grown into Pomona ann
Pasadena was assembled in little level
spot just outside the limits of the camp.
The preliminaries were quickly arraneei
and the fight began. The beast seemed
to take in the situation at glance, and.
laying back his ears, he watched his wary
opponent with angry eyes. Suddenly
Tom leaped forward and laudod a terrific
Kick sqnarely on the junction OF the neck
and head.
The beast reeled before the force of the
blow, out. recovering on the instant, he
wheeled and launched both heels at his
antagonist. The man leaped aside, ana,
as quick DIS lightning responded with
another fearful kick on the burro's neck,
And so the conflict ragged. Sometimes the
JACK would get in savage blow on his
opponent but oftener the man had the
vest or II; and at the last, putting forth
al OF his wonderful strength, he landed
kick with the fury and irresistible force
OF plledriver on the jack 8 neck, which
had been bis objective point from the be-
ginning. The beast reeled back and with
a co2vulsive culver fell over. Tom was
terribly bruised, but no bones were bro
ken, and in few days he was as spry as
ever.-St Louis Globe Democrat,
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