Cañon City record., 1902-05-29
A CHANCE MEETING
TOriginal.l

with taste for adventure. His ia
ther, having tried every means known
in cities to keep him in check. finally
concluded to give free rein to his am
bition to be tough and sent him 10 New
Mexico
Several years passed, and. though
reports came that Johnny was making
himself at home where the revolver
was the only law. it did not appear
that he had ever attached himself to
any lawless gang. Indeed his princi-
pal amusement was in bunting out
desperadoes, as gentIemanly huntsmen
would choose the fox. and handing
them over to be dealt with by the
courts. AS time went on Iohnny's
mother found 1t more difficult to bear
the separation from her darling, and it
was finally arranged that he should
come home for a visit. He came. much
to the surprise OF his family in a gen.
tlemanly suit of clothes.
Now. 1t happened that while Johnny
WAS at home the city was being also
visited by Gentleman lin. one of those
burglars who leave facetious messages
at houses they enter. pi9ped to the
curtain or a cushion Tue Martins
with others. went TO bed every night
terrified lest the house should be en-
tered and Mrs Martin. who was In del
Icats health. be frightened to death.
As to the burglary. their fears were
realized. Gentleman lin sawed hole
in the back door. turned the key. shot
the bolt and entered Not tnding anv-
thing OF value on the lower floor. he
concluded To 90 up stairs and inquire
for the silver ct the point OF the pistol.
He was putting his foot on the first
step of the staircase when he conclud-
ed TO dash his lantern npward TO see IL
the way was clear. The bullseve
struck full in the face Of Johnny Mr.
tin leaning over corner of the banis-
ter holding huge revolver pointed d.
rectly at the intruder.
Put your revolver on the stairs"
said Johnny in a whisper. Don't make
a uoise.'
Gentleman Jim was desperate char
acter. and he held his weapon in Iis
right hand. but he knew that before he
could raise it the mar up stairs could
make a hole in his brain. There was
pnother reason for his action. which
was TO appear later on He placed bis
revolver where he was ordered as soft
ly as II he feared to wake the baby
Johnny. still covering him. went part
way down stairs
go into the dining ROOM he ordered
in the same low voice. When they
were both there. Johnny directed his
visitor TO light the gas then to take on
MS mask The stranger hesitated.
whereupon Johnny enforced the order
by raising his revolver. and the mask
was removed Johnny started
well. now. wonder IL this is mir
acle." he mrttered Jim Smalls, how
did YOU happen in this community?
thought | had you safely landed in jail
in New Mexico
Broke loose
And to think that you should run up
against me in this fashion, What
small world il is after all"'
What are you going 10 do with ne.
Johnny"
Don't speak so loud. | wouldn't have
you waken my mother for 4 ranch
fancy there is Il large reward offered
for your capture. and as my "trip TO ne
vast Is expensive | suppose | might as
we'll secure the amount What do they
offer for you Jim: Don't lie about it
can telegraph and md out"
Its = big one this time-S5.ucO."
.wbew' That is big one You've
been working this vicinity for. some
time and have lot OF swas. pre-
sumo
"A hull cellar full OF silver" ~
..N- h..-a is the ,.alIary-'
MAKE ii an object. aud IN tell"
what obiectT' x
LET me on = /.
Iohuny sat down on the arm Of
chair aud rested his revolver on the
dining table The weapon was heavy.
aud his arm was getting tired He
knew that his man was quick as
dash and. though unarIned. IL given 4
second OF time would make a dash
~Jim." h,. said presently. IF it hadn't
been for ne that mob would have got
you s--' :ss-<s.''l -
$50 they would. Johnny"
And it would have been all over
with YOU" "a
Reckon I'D a swung"
Well. don't you think one good turn
In jail In spite OF the mob. The silver
you've got won't do you any good; bet
ter tell ne where it's hid"
"Do you want both the reward and
the silverT'
Il want the silver for the owners"
Johnny, on one condition IN 30 you
I've got a good wife In Arizona. She
was unlucky enough to marry me. and
I'd like to do suthin fur her Now. l
know you. Johnny. and what you say
you'll do. Give her the reward. and
I'll tell all"