The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-12-19

EDDIE FOY-I spent my happiest
Christmas in Henley, Texas. I en-
joyed that dinner, for I expected to
partake of it.
You see, it was this way. A long,
long time ago, when I was young, I
studied law and took my degree. I
then struck out for Texas, where I
was told that there was a good open
ing. went to a little town called
Henley, just this side of Boone
County. I practiced for a little while,
and was finally nominated for the po-
sition Of City Prosecuting Attorney,
and received the election.
Now, it seems that the greater part
of Boone County was owned by a man
named = earce. He was what the slang
Of to-day would designate a peach"
Every now and then he would come to
Henley, and when the word got there
that Pearce was coming the schools
would be let out, and all the houses in
town with the exception of the saloons,
which were certain to do a rushing
business, shut up. Then, safely bar
ricaded, they would look on in fear
and trembling.
When Pearce got to a certain pointin
a song about
Down on the Rio Grande,
Where the grangers herd their cattle.
What the rest of it was 1 have for
gotten. While he roared out the first
two verses he stood still and seemed
to be charitably inclined toward all
mankind, throwing money around
broadcast; but when he reached the
last verse he pulled out his six-shooter
and went to work Then woe betide
any one who came within range of
him.
1t had been going on in this way for
years, and no one had ever laid a re-
straining hand on the burly giant.
Now, thought I, here's a chance to
show the people of this town what
material you're made of, so I sought
out the new Sheriff, who was a little
fellow, and young, if not younger
than myself, and together we laid our
plans.
The next time Pearce came to Hen
ley the usual thing happened; the
whole town was terrorized. The pro-
gramme went swimmingly along until
he had nearly completed the second
verse of his song. Then the little
Sheriff waltzed boldly up, and, plac-
ing his hand on Pearces arm, said:
Mr.. Pearce, you are my prisoner"
We expected an explosion, but
strange enough Pearce took it calmly
and suffered himself to be led away
finally giving bonds to keep the peace
until his trial.
The day Of the trial arrived, and al
Henley wore a holiday aspect. The
little Sheriff was a hero. But my
great chance was coming. I had pre-
pared a long plea in behalf of the PEG
pie Of Henley.
Well, the case was called, and to tn,
great establishment of all presen
Pearce pleaded guilty and was abou
to pay his fine quietly when I, not tt
be cheated out of my glory, asked thu
Judges permission to say few words
1t was graciously accorded, and then
started.
I spoke of the little children whc
huddled closely together in fear anC
trembling whenever Pearce came t,
town. 1 spoke of the cries of the or.
phans and widows this man had made
In fact, there was not a dry eye to b.
seen when I finished, and 1 sat dow
amid thunderous plaudits of thu
crowd. The defendant eyed me in
way I didn't like, and then asked t.
be allowed to say a few words H
got it, and then he had his innings.
II amt got nothing against this YER
town" said he. II don't hold nothin,
against its people, the Judge, nor We
the Sheriff, but if ever 1 get that Their
young Teller (pointing to me) in m.
county I'll make him pay for this
only laughed at him, and finall,
the court was dismissed.
Well, time passed on, and had for
gotten all about the incident TIL
day before Christmas I went to Gal
weston to officiate as best man at tn
wedding of a dear friend Of mine.
had a jolly good time, and when
climbed into my sleeper that night
for I had to be in Henley next day
was pretty tired. I told the porte
where to let me off, and then wen
PEACEFULLY TO slesR' ] must have slen