Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-04-05
DAILY SHORT STORY
Black Versus White.
lOrigoal.l

who took advantagetOf the general de-
moraliza1ion to rob land murder In
Kentucky there was mm who had
sprung, from good stock. but had grad
ualIy rxln down from one'occupation to
another TIL lie lanCed in what he
called craftsmanship but what was
really higGwaymansl6p.
Armsby was fond of going about
alone. suddenly appearing i'll places
occupied by Thea national forces and
as suddenly disappearing. 1t is prob
able thatkhe did this to visit his con-
federates ard receive information
which would enabA him TO attack
those who were bearers of money.
When abletto OverpOwer such persons
without the aid of his gang he would
usually do 80.
One day n banker desired TO send
$1,000 to neighboring town. both
places being within the Union lines.
There was no competent escort at
hand. and Sinsoll. the banks cOlored
janitor, volunteered TO carry the funds
through. He was Il wiZe1ed little old
man. weighing about 100 pounds. with
banker resolved to ErustA the money to
him. hoping that Mis- insignificance
would protect him.
Simon started off or foot to traverse
a matter Of ten miles. Over his shout
der he carried n sacl5 Of meal, within
which was n bag of gold coin. He had
made two-5hirds of the distance when
a man on horseback came along. 1t
was Armsby, and he at once recOg-
nized Simon, having seen him about
the bank.
Good morning, Simon" said Arms
by. refining in.
Good mawnin', Cap'n Armsh.s.
Reckon de Lavd might good to melto
send you long hyar just now
"How's that, Simon?"
"WaaI. Is gwine to NJ to bring
back some money. Is tired wOrkin'
TO nOthin', m 'cluded eff 1 could hap
pen on a good excuse 1 moughtt hole
onter some OBJ de gold. 1 could, make
n big story bout meetin' Cap'n Arms
by. n tellin' how he TUX
"YO' black scoundreI, do yO' think
would demean myseH'by sharing plum
der with niggerf"
NO. sah But in,the generosity. oh
yo' Armsby SOUP
"Yo' old humbugl Yo're not going
to bring back money. Yo're taking
it and have it in that bag. Now 1 am
collecting funds for, the Confederate
hospitals and will trouble yo' to hand
it over"
yah. YalE Mars Armsbg. D'yO
t'ink | spec to fool one oh de fust
gentlemen oh de souf? No. sab. l
war jist akin n leadin' question. /
strike yo'.'
Hand out the money or l Will show
yo' how Il bullet will strike that black
skull of yOu's."
Mars Armsby." whined the old
man. ''yo' hain't gwine t take t all
and leave poor Simon TO go back to
wuk all de res OBJ he days? CANT
yo' find it in yo' generous heart to glib
me leetle Oh de Gor? Remember, de
Armsbys might fine people"
Whether the captain was touched
with pity or shame, or flattered at 81
mons reference to his family, he con-
scented.
We'll. get out the stuffiand I'll see"
Simon opened the meal sack. drew
out a small canvas bag which he also
opened. and, taking out n dozen half
eagles. said:
EFF yo' only glib me these N shoot
lot o holes in my clothes to show dat
yO' TUX de rest de Lawd II bress yO'
honorable soul. There's Il thousand
dollars in ALL"
NO one of my name ever refused Il
request. Keep what yO' have and hand
me the rest.
"Yo' hain't coin' Off without firm
holes To- me to show"
Hand up the bag, and I'll fire all
the holes yo' want"
ION dc word oh Armsby?"
Yes. yo' rascal. on the word of an
Armsby," replied the bandit. flattered
I'm spite Of himself ut the confidence in
the integrity of one of his tribe.
Simon gave him the bag. then, stand
ing off a few yards. held up his hat,
and Armsby fired two shots into it.
Now put some into my coat" said
Simon, holding up the garment.
Armsby put n couple into the coat
Jest one mo- into de weskit."
Simon held up his tattered waistcoat
and just as the robber fired gave a
slight start. Armsby missed.
"Mebbe yo' losin' yo' nerve. Mars
Armsby," said Simon.
Losing my nerve. yo' lying Niger.
1t was yo'r fault. Hold up the rag
again. There, There's but one button
on It. I'll pink that button"
ArmSby had no sooner fired than q
wonderful change came over Simon.
When the smoke cleared away the cap
tain saw the negro covering him with
revolver. Armsby had fired six shots,
all there was in his own weapon.
Hands up" said the negro.
"Yo' black rascal
\ shot whistled so close to his cheek
that the blood followed it.
Throw down de bag n git off'n
yo' boss"