The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-02-03
A TOTAL SURPRISE.
II Wns Caused by the Unusual Re-
suit of IA Little Mans Reck-
less ugnncity.

They were sitting around the stove in
Ike Zeigler's store discussin' when the
big man came in. They had gone over
the Spanish war from start to finish
and had effectuaily settled the future OF
the new territories, and the talk
naturally turned to personal bravery
1t transpired that there was not a
coward in the crowd, unless the small
man over in the corner, who hadn't
said word, could be counted
why" Bud Hays was just saying.
II never see the man yet as could make
me back down. amt braggin' or moth
in, gentlemen, but that man amt
growed as could make me chaw my
words. Tobacker's good ernough for
me. Understand, gentlemen, | don't
go round lookin' fer no wrangle, but
amt goin' around runnin' away from
it, nuther." With which Bud settled
hack. and the four silently expectorated
Rt the wood box with the warm glow of
men mutually satisfied Nth their own
attributes.
The big man walked back to the
stove, trifle unsteadily, slapping his
mittens together as he came.
81 hope" said he, "ye want maxim
no observations about me-" he began,
eyeing Bud Hays with glare of hos
tility, "cause If We did ye might ez well
say 'em to my face A deathlike ST.
lence following this announcement,
the big man began again: "Er mebby
We was jest maxim a declaration on
general principles an waiiin fer some
body t take it up. Ef ye did, I'm yer
man"
More deathlike silence.
Some folks is awful smart that
away. Mebby some of yer frien's hain't
satisfied with my remarks"
There being NO response TO this the
stranger became aggricved. ITS
curious thing" he observed tibet
man can't come in where thar's crowd
O. lazy loafers without bein' insultod
Why. its simply onbearabe. Here I
peaceable man comes in mindin' his
own business, an derned ornery
skunk takes occasion t throw slurs at
him. Why, durn yer hide, what dye
mean?"
Excuse me. stranger" said Bud
Hays, squirming uneasily in his seat
and glancing with an appealing eye at
the nnresponsive faces Of his friends,
81 don't remember no insults cast at
nobody"
"Oh, you don't remember 'em, eh?"
shouted the stranger. 80 We don't re-
member what We said to me about no.
bein able to lick one side of ye? Why,
durn ye-"
Il never said" broke in the as
tonished Bud, hut the stranger threw
his mittens on the floor and danced on
them.
AN now I'm liar, am I? Amt sat
isfed with insultin' me mildlike so I
could pass it over but make it stronger
SOS I'll have to fight ye."
Now, lookee here" said Bud.
Don't ye dispute me again." roared
the stranger. pulling his Astrakhan
overcoat, don't We do it. I'll stand
whole lot. but won't be tramped on
by any yaller pup nur eny of his fistc
friendsi" and he glared around the lit
tie circle of eyes that were busily seek
ing the floor.
But the challenge was taken up from
an unexpected quarter. The quiet lit
lie man over in the corner got up and
put his jackknifc in his pocket.
You're big bluff" he said calmly
as he stepped out in the middle of the
floor, land you're afraid to fight"
Astonishment and apprehension were
blended on the faces of the little cir
Gle, and for moment the big man stood
dumfounded. Then he waded in and he
licked the little man to finish. Yes
he did. Licked him good and plenty,
unusual and unnatural as it may seem
for the little man 10 get the worst of it.
Otherwise this story never would have
been written. It's the only thing that
makes II valuable as an unusual Incl
Enquirer.
Boiled Egg Dressing.
IN txyn