The herald., 1896-08-12
THE Bad MAN WAS STOPPED
To the Joy of People Long
BrOWbeaten
DUNHAM HAD THE "DROP"
And Buckskin Bill Was Forced to
Pay for Drinks
The Brisk Business Effected by q New Bar
keeper In Albuquerque-A Tale
of 1882
DUNHAM HAD THE "DROP"

The general manager of popular
wet goods emporium in Los Angeles,
whose word always passes at r,vouch-
es for the truth of the following in
cident, in which Frank Durham, also
OF this city, was one of the principal
characters:
The scene is laid in Albuquerque, N.
M, time September, 1882, and the place
where the little bar-play was enacted
Clyne's Mountaineer saloon, headquar-
ters for cattlemen, miners and gentry
who game. OF course the typical des-
rerado was often in evidence at Albu-
querque in those days And whether
in reality a desperate character or not,
the fellow generally assumed that role,
for the evident purpose of obtaining the
freedom of the town. He usually wore
an irregular costume, long hair, brace
of big revolvers and a wild name, sup
plemented at times by knife in his
boot. Such a character was "Buckskin
Bill" who came over from Colorado to
take in the town in desperate style,
and for three weeks previous to the
time the present incident occurred, had
succeeded admirably. The marshal, po-
que did not question his conduct or deny
him the drinks.
"Buckskin Bill' and number of cow
boys were in the Mountaineer saloon
and Jim Clyne the proprietor, was be-
hind the bar, when Frank Durham, a
quiet and unassuming miner, just down
from the mountains, dropped in to see
what was going on.
Hello, Frank, old mar glad to see
x'c, n 1tv1fr
up in the hills?"
Very fair" replied Frank. Cant
complain
Then a sudden idea seemed to strike
Clyne and he said earnestly:
by the way. Frank l want you to do
me a favor. / have some important
business that must be attended to at
once. VIII you take my place behind
the bar for about an hour?"
What; you don't mean for me to play
barkeeper do you?" exclaimed Frank in
establishment.
"Certainly," returned Clyne.
WELL" said Frank, II have done
some business before the bar, but never
behind it. 1 can easily recognize my
own poison but I'm afraid 1 couldn't
produce the right bottle for the other fell
low"
''Oh, you'll do all right" replied Clyne,
who seemed to be arranging some arti-
Gle beneath the bar Take off your
coat and step right round here, and,
say, Frank, don't set out bottle to any
one unless they first flash their coin over
the counter"
"A new rule" thought Frank, land
likely to offend some customers; but If
Clyne an stand it. cam"
Clyne left the saloon to attend to his
important" business. which carried
him around the building and into room
in the rear. adjoining the saloon; thence
up to a small hole in the wall which gave
him a good view of the interior of the
saloon and it's occupants.
When the new barkeeper assumed his
position he noticed that the article Clyne
had arranged beneath the bar was an
uncommonly large revolver at full cock.
This was rather significant, but it had
no effect on Franks nerves, and while
waiting for a customer he prepared for
himself a sample of the best goods be-
hind the bar. Before he had drank il.
however. Buckskin Bill arose and bel
lowed out:
"Hullo! Here's new barkeep That
means the drinks for all of us, boys,
so line up
The boys needed no urging. and all
hands were soon at the bar awaiting the
desired drinks.
back to the eXpectant crowd before the
bar.
Here, you insignificant little cuss,
set out the drinks." growled Bad Bill
Franks innocent blue eyes opened Il
little wider; first resting on the big gun
under the bar, then on the big bully in
front, and he said:
IF you have any coin about your
clothes. Mr.. Buckskin, please place the
same on the bar, otherwise we cannot
do business
What" Numbered the bad man. do
you defy me?" and he reached for one
of his revolvers. But before he coull
draw the weapon his astonished eyes
We're looking into the bigbored gun
which Frank extended across the bar.
II you attempt to draw observed
mountain howitzer and blow a hole
through you as big as billiard ball!"
The "desperado' didn't draw
Now, look here" continued Frank,
you've had your play, Buckskin, ami
I'll take mine. Stand up, boys. Now,
Buck. dig up a dollar for the drinks, anil
be quick about it,"
the drinks, Frank keeping the howitzer
at hand. Three times was the big fellow
in buckskin compelled to disgorge dol
lar for drinks, which was more money
than he had ever spent in the town be-
fore.
Down on your knees, now!" cried
Frank, and apologize to me or say your
prayers"
The big bully hesitated but a second
look at Franks determined face ami
that gun made him tumble. He apollo
gized to the new barkeeper for the at
tempted "hold-up''
Now" said Frank, "you slide through
that door in three seconds. and never let
me see your face again or shall certain
ly make you subject for the coroner"
After Buckskin Bill had skunk away
Clyne rushed into the saloon with a hur
rah, in which the cowboys heartily
Joined. He fairly hugged Frank in the
excess of his joy, and while asking him
to excuse his little business deception.
slipped yellow boy into his hand
with the remark:
You've earned it well, Frank, likewise
the hearty thanks of all the people of AL
buquerque for stopping Buckskin BILL
H. E. l..
TDAINED NJ1DcCc, cruoov