The leader., 1899-04-05

and Carter resumed: We've com
down with our friend Leonard here &
see that he gets satisfaction for tn
way you've treated him. We've dc
cided that you'll either have to put NJ
your dukes against all three Of us o
wade the river three times" ~ :"
Very weIl," / replied. 'Tn tina
case I wilt fight I expect you to &C
as my second aud see that have fail
play Draw ring outside, and l viii
join lyou in . moment" / knew tina
I would have to remove my coat ant
vest, aud wished to get rid Of my re
v9lysr without letting them see it.
As they went out turned to Bar
ton and, to my CONSERVATION, found
him the picture of abject fear. Put
ting my revolver into the holster ]
handed il to him and told him to stand
by the door with it when / went ont,
to closely watch the men dnring the
fight and il either of them raised his
gun, or IL more than one at 4 time at.
tackled me, to FIRE iato the crowd, and
in the confusion following the unex-
pected shot I would have an opportu-
nifty to break for the tent, snatch the
revolver from his hands and from be-
hind the shelter Of the big tree hold
my own against them.
Barton said he understood and
promised to follow my instructions.
Aftsrward learned that as soon as I
turned my back he dropped the pistol
and ran out into the bushes, where he
hid himself But not knowing this at
the ii ne went out with confdeu ce
and stood up before Leonard in the
ring.
Leonard was almost exactly my
height and weight, and as he stood be-
fore me stripped to a tight-fitting
undershirt, trousers and moccasins, 1
could see the movement OF his muscles
as he put mp his guard and made play
with his hands. He seemed no mean
antagonist, and thought as 1 exam.
ined him critically that would have
to do my. best, disabled as was, il I
held my own in tne coming struggle.
But I noticed that his face was flushed
with drink and excitement, and in that
! felt that I had an advantage.
4 The ring had been drawn nearly in
the centre of the open space; Carter
and his companion stood little to one
side with their pistols in their hands,
ito see fair play" and they notified
ne that if I made the slightest move
which they considered unfair they
would take hand in the fight. Car
Ter came up and examined my clothing
10 see that had no weapon. Then,
to Leonard, he said
"We'll see that you do him up,"
and . moment later asked him, care
you ready?"
By this time number of Indians
and Mexicans had appeared, attracted
BY the sound of the firing, and they
stood in little groups some distance
81, ready to break away into the
bushes if pistol play recommended.
"Play balll" shouted Carter, and I
advanced and put up my guard. Leon
ard made a pass at me, but failed to
land. ! had been good boxer in my
days. and the knowledge now
stood me in good stead. Vl '4 -
While the sparring was going on I
kept one eve on Carter and the big
man. was afraid that straight
knockout blow delivered by me would
be- the signal for two pistol shots and
that Barton might not be quick enough
10 Ore first. / temporizsd. sparring
lightly. until Carter called out:
ssKick him. Leonard; kick the stuff
aug ont OF him. l4 hlsa-f $50
Hold on cried, .'kicking is not
for I had been notified that
this Was to be fair fight. no rough
and tumble 9i -
ssKicking is all right. - reioined Car
ter ii a surly tone. This aneered me.