Idaho Springs siftings., 1904-01-16

Burritt, that you carry it about your
person.
The other nodded. Look here!"
he said. I've lived rough sort of life
in wild part of the world. for the last
twenty years. I've seen men shot
down by my side, in a refreshment
saloon. more than once, and more
than once had a narrow escape from
a similar fate myself In fact'-slnk-
ing his VOICE. don't mind owning
to you that on one occasion l have
killed my man-in self-defense mind"
he added hastily. seeing the look of
horror which. for a moment. over
spread his friends face. In self
defense" he repeated, with emphasis.
and with the odds three to one.
Where should ! have been then but
for my revolver As II was, ! cleared
the world OF at least one ruGian"
And no one-t mean
No one thought any the worse of
me. ! assure you. Indeed with a
faint smile the first MIR Burritt had
seen upon his face, lurking for a mo-
ment round the corners of his mouth
II even had testimonial presented
To me by some OF the leading citizens
OF the place, thanking me for riddlng
them OF such pestileut character as
Black Jake. which was the name the
villain went by"
Mr.. Burrltt heard him throughout
with astonishment. mingled with a
80 f.,s Of cd
hard to credit that the calm. middle
aged. well dressed man before him
hts own eontemporary-ha passed
through such an experience as this;
and that the hand which he had shak-
en- with so much cordiality had blood
upon it,
Thank Cod" he cried. that We
have nothing of this sort in England.
There is np shooting people down in
refreshment saloons in this country"
Perhaps not" was the caustic re-
ply. but. for all that, ii struck me.
on looking at the paper this morning,
that you had got your own share OF
most Of the crimes going-and plenty
of Black Jakes,' or their equivalents.
too
Very likely" said Mr.. Burritt,
with eyes still fixed on the revolver.
"By-the-way, would you mind telling
me-is that the same weapon that yon
used on that occasion you We're speak
ing of mean when you shot the
other-er-individu
Meaning Black Jake? Yes. I'm
happy TO say IT is the very same
Mr. Burrltt felt tina, he somehow re-
garded the article in question with
less favor than ever.
Il suppose there isn't the least like
lihood of its going on unexpectedly? ?"
he inquired. difidently.
Not unless | pull the trigger" was
the careless response, land I'm not
likely to do that. unless you attack
me first"
The joke--if joke it were-struck
Mr. Burritt as being in singular bad
taste
Il must say" he repeated with n
little peroeptibie irritation in his man
ner, that. in this instance, / don't see
the necessity for"
Very likely. you don't" interrupt
ed the other. resuming his coat; but
If YOU had been in the habit of carry
ing IL about your person for as many
years as | have. and always been ac-
customed to sleep with IL under your
pillow. you would think no more OF
carrying revolver than you would
an umbrella or a watch"
This remark served TO remind Mr.
Burritt Of his original errand, He
therefore explained the reason Of his
intrusion. and having been accom-
modated by the loan OF the desired ar
tIcle. turned to leave the room again
He hesitated for a moment on the
threshold and cast another glance
over his shoulder at his friend. who
was doing something to the cherished
weapon with a bit of oily rag. The
latter looked up and met it.
You don't really mean. Sllas. that
you are afraid to trust yourself In my
company nov that you know carry a
revolver" he asked. with another sud
den frown. You don't surely-?"
ITO be continued)