The Adair County news., 1901-11-06
Fights his Way to Liberty

Fights his Way to Liberty.
Nashville, Tenn, Oct. 2S.-A des-
perate man, George Parker, alias
"Butch" Cassity, cowboy, murderer
and train robber, wanted for compiled
ty in the great Northern $4,000 ex-
press robbery at Wagner, Mont, es-
capped from the very clutches of the
law this morning, and the chase after
the fleeing desperate makes up one of
the most exciting days in the history
Of the Nashville police department.
News of the thrilling dash of the
bandit spread through the city in a
very few minutes, and it was not long
until many citizens, armed with pistols
rifles and shotguns, joined Chief Of
Police Curran and Sheriff Hurt and
their men in an effort to apprehend
the man, but as the case stands he
outwitted them all.
He went to the Newman & Co., dry
goods store, aud after making small
purchases presented $50 bill 10 pay
ment. 1t was found that the bill was
one Of those stolen from the express
train. A telephone message was sent
to the police and the bandit was de-
tanned. Detective Dwyer aud Dickens
responded. Detective Dwyer asked
the man his name, to which he re-
sponded, giving the name Of Ferguson.
1--WE are officers and you are under
arrest said Dwyer. at the same time
placing his hand on the man IS shoulder.
Quick as flash, without uttering a
wurd, and before the officers could pull
their pistols, the prisoner with both
hands threw back his coat and jerked
from their holsters brace Of forty. i've
caliber pistols, holding them in either
hand, commanding the officers TO per-
NIT him 10 pass them. Dwyer had his
pistol, while the other officer had his
pocket ''billy" filled with shot. They
grabbed the prisoner from each side
and desperate hand-to-hand encoun-
ter followed, in which neither of the
three men had chance to use pistol.
Dickens brought his billy into play up
on the head of the bandit, but he
fought on like a demon. For three
minutes the three men struggled in a
small space near the froot OF the store
only a few fees from the door. In
some unaccountable manner the des-
perado, a man Of herculean strengt,
threw the officers from him and made
a dash into College street,
Before the officers could recover
themselves the man ran down the
street, where a large Ice wagon was
passing. On the wagon were three
negroes. The bandit threw oae pistol
in the holster he wore, catching one OF
the horses by the bride. lie commad.
ed the negroes to leave the wagon,
stating that he needed the team. Two
were on the pavement in a jiffy, but
one refused to give up, and did not
leave the drivers box until after hi:
life had been threatened. The desper
ado, grabbing the reins and big whiI
jumped to the drivers seat, whipped
up the horses and was of in q minute
the team going up the grade fire-engin;
fashion. AS the bandit drove VI
College street Detective Dwyer re
opened fire on the fugitive and missed
| The desperate proceeded on his wa.
to the Cumberland river bridge, apply
ing the lash to the steeds at thei
every jump. The wagon swayed t
and fro as it went over the bridge
narrowly escaping a collision wit
other vehicles. In the flying ride th
desperado lost his hat.
With coolness and dellberation tn
! bandit decided upon his next move
] lie was certain he was being. pursueI
by two. and perhaps dozen officer
, and citizens. Down Bridge avenue, a