Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-08-31

annals Of the fur southwest These
characteristics / have described noted
at the time, for his personality impress
ed me strongly at the first glance. Itwas
not until later that knew that In our
gathering at this haven of refuge on
the desert our strangely mingled COM
pany included the bandit desperate al
ready famous as Billy the Kid. One Of
the two accompanying him was his cho-
sen lieutenant and companion, Dave
Rudebaugh.
At the station they passed some re
marks with the keeper about the raiding
Apaches, and Billy expressed the belief
that they had not y6 finished their
work on the San Simon plain. Beef the
three strangers had, freshly killed, wrap
ped in gunny sack behind the saddle Of
the man called Phoenix. Flour and sugar
and coffee they wanted, and was not
surprised when the station keeper found
that he could spare them some Of all
these things and declined to accept pay
for the same. After receiving their sup
plies they went away to little distance
from the station. and soon we saw the
light Of their campfire blazing in the
dusk and could dimly distinguish the
forms of their horses picketed out to
Craze.
The station keeper made no comments
upon these dangerous visitors until he
chanced to fall to talking with Felix
and me apart from the others. Then he
spoke Of them cautiously. as one might
who feared to say too much and must
guard that his words be not overheard.
"They are rustlers takin their har-
vest in the wake Of the Apaches, be
said. Its toss up which are the
worst. 1t Is their chosen time to steal
stock and rob and murder and cut up
deviltry generally Ais laid to the nc
count Of the Indians at such times, you
understand. How much they mean by
comm to the station no one but them
selves can tell. 1t may be that they
want only somethin to eat and place
to pass the night. But If they don't
tighten the outfit Of some Of the people
here, it's because they've got somethin
bigger in view and can't waste the time.
We shall see, Hello. that tent lights up
well! Looks as il the show might be
about ready to begin"
We all looked to where the Mexican
travelling company had raised their
small tent, structure OF the circus
side show variety. The interior. light
ed by two kerosene torches. was mt
this particular time closed to outsiders
while the performers were arranging
themselves in their stage costume-a
proceeding made evident by the shift
ing silhouettcs displayed in animated
motion against the canvas sides. A
dressing room for the charming Lupita
had been created by hanging up blan-
ket near the side opposite the entrance.
and the same apartment during the
performance served for the exits and
entrances Of all the performers
II was approaching the hour when
the mail blackboard was due from the
eastward, and there was much specula-
tion as to the chances that it would ar
rive that night. There were first to be
considered the probabilities that stage
would have been started out mt all that
day and next the chances that il might
get safely by the Apaches, and all the
white "rustlers. sure to be abroad and
active at such times rs this II was the
station keeper opinion, although he did
not state the reasons for his faith, that
il would certainly make the attempt to
come through, and that il was likely
20 roll up at the station on time. All
arrangements Of course were made to
receive it on its arrival. and q system Of
sentinels was organized TO watch for II
and TO guard ~ well against surprise
visit Of the :enegades. while those not
on duty attended the show. To give all
at the station chance ut the exhibition
the sentinels, assigned by twoe. were
divided into half hour reliefs, none OF
the men being exempted from this duty
except Don Ramon, who. as the father
and protector Of Carmen. was by COM
mon consent excused. !
Every arrangement Of business and
safety had been completed when the
throwing open Of the tent flap, and the
striking up Of the tambourine and guitar
within, announced that the time for the
audience TO assemble had arrived. Those
whose assignment did not call for them
to remain outside filed into the tent