The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-28

he was shot through the hips and was
suffering great agony. We carried him
down to camp and laid him beside
Bronco Bill who had Just regained
consciousness.
THE fight was over. We had ex-
pected to stay in that country for three
months If necessary, but in less than
three weeks we had captured our men.
After the excitement had subsidized.
man was sent to Fort Apache for a
doctor and also one to Clifton. Sunday
Deputy Sheriffs Simpson of Geronimo
and Clark Of Chiffon arrived on the
ground and accompa MED the posse to
Geronimo, where they arrived Wednes-
day afternoon. Johnson died at the
horse camp late Sunday night. Before
his death his yells could be heard for
two miles. His agony was something
terrible to witness and without medical
assistance the posse was unable to give
him any relief. Before he died he was
asked If he had any word to send to his
aged father. He was propped up in bed
and with great difficulty sent the fol-
lowing message to his father, who lives
on Blue river about forty miles from
the scene of the killing. Slowly the words
came from those lips now growing icy
cold in death. The men stood around
in silence with uncovered heads and the
moon shone family through the trees
and lighted up the camp with its friendly
beams: Tell father he said, mot to
grieve after me. I brought 1t all on
myself. Tell him not to hold any one
responsible for my death Here he was
seized with paroxysm of pain His
features were convulsed and his cries
made mans blood turn cold. With a
last effort he continued, Just tell him.
boys, that Bill said good BY
He never said another word. His
eyes were closed in that eternal sleep
from which there is no awakening in
this world.
"Bill and Johnson said only a few
words to each other after they were
shot, although they lay side by side
on the same cot for an entire day.
Monday morning the start was made
for Geronimo with Bronco BILL An i'm
provised bed was arranged on a pack
horse and he was laid on 1t as gently
as possible and the start was made for
Geronimo. fifty miles away.
Bronco Bill stood the pain as long
as possible and then in those quiet even
tones without tremor he said: Boys,
just throw this pack outfit over the hill
and saddle me a horse and I'll lead the
way into town. This was done and Bill
led the procession, and what nerve! AL
though suffering great pain every step,
he laughed and joked with the posse,
telling OF numerous little scrapes In
which he had played the leading part.
Whistling and laughing, and shot
through and though, he went to meet
his fate as II 1t was picnic excursion"
During the ride to Bowie he made fire.
quent calls for "the bottle" but never
entered into any conversation. He ate
peaches and smoked cigar and seemed
determined to make himself as comfort
able as possible.
At Bowie he was hustled across the
platform and into the hotel, where he
was soon in bed and shortly afterwards
partook OF light supper. Afterwards
as he lay on the bed surrounded by sew
eral Of the posse he told the following
story:
"My true meme is William Walters
and l will be 20 years old next October.
have been cowboy fof, the past twelve
years and have Travelled over a great
part Of Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and
Old Mexico. I have had some pretty
scary times in those twelve years, but,
boys" he said, and he opened his eyes
and looked us square In the eyes, there
is no man that can say that ever MUIR
dered anybody. These marks on my
neck and shoulder will show that. When
rode into that horse camp last Satur-
day morning knew the game had come
to a showdown. knew there was no
escape left for me, but I thought If I
made the fight the other boys might be
able to drag 1t. I opened the ball, boys,
and you know the rest"
A Los Angeles Times reporter asked:
"Mr. Walters, do you deny these charges
that are made against your
Bill opened his eyes about half way.
and drawled: well. by young fell
Ter, If you'll please tell Bill what he is
charged with, he might answer that
question for you.'
He slept tolerably easy the rest Of the
night, and the next morning at day.
break found him seated in the dining
room eating his breakfast. Afterwards
he strolled up and down the platform by
himself, with that large black hat pulled
over his eyes. He looked pale and weak,
and swayed slightly as he walked. The
train came from the west, and they
loaded him on. He sat In the day coach.
and as the train left he smiled through
the window and waved his hard TO the
small crowd Of onlookers at the depot
Arizona Bulletin.