Arizona republican., 1899-01-08
An Incident of
 New Mexico


 my work, when heard tremendous spashng in the river
 few hundred yards beow followed by shots and yes and the sound of galloping horses moment later four rode into camp like Whirwind Loud cries of Where is he? Don't let him get away" Whos got the rope? gave nkling of what they after. They wanted me-
 The camp large one, and generally there eight or ten white men and forty or fifty Indians about but happened to be holiday and all the had gone away except my tent mate, Baron and myself We were build ing large rrigating dches and had out to take charge of the work only short time before had found 1t necessary discharge number of the and replace them by others Only the day before had had trouble with one of the men, Leonard by name He went little too far and knocked him down. As he arose he picked up
 heavy club and at with it, but throwing up my left hand to guard my head caught the blow and knocked him down again with right That settled the matter supposed for the fellow off to his tent, swearing roundy and calling for gun with which to clean out the camp.
 But when heard the spashng at the ford remembered the incident of the day beore and the instant flashed into my mind that had weapon of any knd and that l might need l slipped out quickly, and running down to tent the end of the line seized revolver and belt cartridge which knew there, and back when the rode up.
 I remained in my tent while the men dismouned and tied their horses together Leonard appeared to be the leader of the gang, for heard him say
 Look here boys I'm the captain of this outfit and you've got do just what tell you. We'll do all that down here to do before leave you just leave to me-
 All right, responded another "Wcre here for fun
 "Wel have fun all right, replied Leonard. "Come into my tent and talk You, Miller, stay here with the horses and watch that tent there he can't get
 The camp consisted of nine tents pitched in rough q which and almost in front of my door large cotton wood Back of and both sides beyond the open space in front were heavy tckets of bushes high enough to conceal man on horseback The road entered at the lower end of camp but about three hundred yards from the tents there sharp turn which concealed of 1t from view Still further back of and beyond the bushes rolled the San Juan river.
 Leaving of their number outside with the horses der the big tree, the went into the tent next to mine They had all been drinking, and separated from them only by two thin walls and twenty splc their conversation easily audible.
 The conversation heard amusing, under the circulnsanees Leonard laying out the programme be followed and telling his companions worthess cuss was the burden of his accusations being that white shirts Tn camp and was "a ongegged from the east"
 The left guard outside knew he was one of our While the talking going on in the next tent he to and explain that he had been forced to come down with the others against his will He added that If wished to get away he would make effort to stop me.
 But that could do; to leave camp then would be running away and abandoning property and deter mined to stand by my post matter what came of it. I inquired of him what weapons the had, and that each of them had revolver and that of them had a Winchester besides
 My plan to out just the rifle was fired and bringing down the man who had it, for could hardly him at twenty feet distance get one more shot as the others crowded the door and were well buncbed tooeer and then break for the big tree from behind which as shelter 1 would stand as good chance two in the open.
 Filling my pocket with loose cartridges and taking my revolver in my right hand, the point of step ping outside and opening the proceedings when heard or the men say
 Ihats no fun Let's make him put up his fists before we hang him; or, if he won't do that we'll make him wade the rver''
 That's great replied another '|We might as well have some fun out of him first Come on."
 Remembering the old western maxim. |ENever show gun until you it, tucked my revolver into my vest so that was out of sight but with the butt not more than two inches from my hand held my pipe in my mouth turned to Baron who trembling and cautioning him to control himself lighted my pipe resumed my stool near the front of the tent. later canvas door thrust aside and entered followed by two others
 The first conner little fellow, slender and much over five feet Tn height but he had wicked look in his eyes, and the face of professional desperado learned afterward that he considered the 'bad man. the neighborhoDd. Behind him big in a flannel shirt and coat with 45 Colt tucked waistband of his trousers. He saoonkeeper in a small by and had provided the courage for the expedition Back of him Leonard, his face infamed with drink remained seated, while Barton backed off to the rear the tent
 The little fellow looked at me and 1 looked at him. Neither spoke for minute Finally the suspense became too great he shifted from foot to the other and presented such picture of uneasnes that laughed At this he recovered his self possession and said:
 Good day! haven't been introduced to you; my Is Carter Leonard, Introduce to this gentleman" Leonard yelled out with prouson of oath and Carter resumed Weve down with friend Leon- ard here to that he gets satisfaction for the way you've