The copper era. (Clifton, Graham County, Ariz.) 1899-1911, 1902-05-15

OLD-TIME SKETCHES
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JIM FENDER.

During tho flush times at Eureka.
Simon rustler gang frequently came
that way and enlivened things mater
tally. Eureka was one OF the iiveliest
little camps in Grant county, during
the early eighties, and its mines pro-
duccd some wonderfully rich ore. An
incorporation, styling itself the Ameri-
can Mining company was the leading
factor OF the camp, and James w.
Peuder was its superintendent. BY
some means or other, unknown to the
writer. Superintendent Pender had
offended some OF the rustler gentry,
and they proposed to make ;ln example
Of him. With this object in view, they
posted a placard on his Office door,
notifying him TO leave camp, accom-
panying the notification with the
threat that If he was still in camp
when they called again, that they
would make it decidedly interesting
for him. Fender, OF course, read the
placard, but paid little attention to it.
Seemingly, he continued to pursue the
even tenor of his way. One afternoon
however, several weeks later, as PEN
der sat at his Office desk writing, he
CHANGED to look through the window,
ONLY to see some OF the rustlers APP
preaching the house. When he
thought they had come near enough,
L l. u, ,,,in md
ing to the door, he threw it wide open,
commenced pumping lead. nor did he
cease until tho would be bad men were
out Of range. The ruStlers did not
know Jim Fender, and when they
came to have some fun at his expense,
they had rcckoned without their host,
as Fender had smelled powder before,
having served with distinction as an
officer in the Confederate army for four
years. He was utterly devoid OF fear,
and his bravery was Of the reckless or
der, although he never lost his pres
ence of mind. He was a hale fellow
well met. and among the boys, he was
one OF them. He was clever, affable
the important fact that he was q
gentleman. Jim Fender was peculiar
character in several respects, not the
least OF which was Il reckless disregard
OF money. Upon one occasion he Wis
tied Deming, and whilst there INDUCED
in his pcnchant TO buck the tiger. He
won and lost heavily, when after Il
while tickle fortune smiled on him.
winner, but his feet were getting cold,
he cashed in and took stroll through
the village. In passing pic ranch
and lunch counter, he saw some viandS
temptingly displayed. and being in
funds, no decided to invest. Entering,
he purchased half pie, and throwing
down $50 gold piece he strollcd out.
\ little lame girl, who had waited on
him, took the money into the back
room to get change from her mother.
When she returned with the change,
her customer had disappeared. and
looking down the street she saw him
walking away. She gave chase as best
she could, calling to him as she hobbled
along on her cructh. Coming up with
him finally, she rendered him g
change, SAYING As she did so: "hTe pie
you cat was only twenty-five cents,
mister, and here is Sl9.75." With the
courtly dignity so bccomming to him.
Jim replied: keep the change little
girl, you have earned it, and it is
yours" The little cripple was speech
less with Amusement, no doubt think
ing in her childish way, that of all
queer men she had ever met, he was
just little bit the queerest.