The daily Alaskan., 1904-06-22
BLACK VERSUS WHITE
IoriglnaLl

During the civil war the border states were infested by lawless bands who took advantage of the general de morallzatlou to rob and murder, In Kentucky there was man who had sprung from good stock, but had grad ually run down from one occupation to mother till he landed in what he lalled ''partisanship," but what wac really highwaymanship.
 Armsby was fond of going about alone, suddenly appearing in places occupied by the national forces and Es suddenly disappearing. It is prob able that he did this to visit his con federates and receive information which would enable him to attack those who were bearers of money When able to overpower such persons without the aid of his gang he would usually do so.
 One day a banker desired to send S1,OOO to a neighboring town, both places being within the Union lines. There was no competent escort at hand, and Simon, the banks colored janltor, volunteered to carry the funds through. He was a wizened little old man, weighing about 100 pounds, with a sunken chest and lame leg. The banker resolved to trust the money to him, hoping that his insignihcance y-Orld p-otect him
 Simon started off on foot to traverse a matter of ten miles. Over his shoul- der he carried a sack of meal, within which was q bag of gold coin. He had made two-thirds of the distance when 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 Armsby. Reckon de Lawd might good to me to send you long hyar just now
 "How's that, simon"
 "Waal, Is gwine to NJ to bring back some money. Is tired workin' fo' nothln', n 'cluded ef I could hap pen on a good excuse mought hole onter some ob de gold. I could make big story bout meetin' Cap'n Arms by, n tellln' how he tuk"-
 "Yo' black scoundrel, do yo' think l would demean myself by sharing plum der with a niggerT
 'No, sah. But in the generosity oh yo' Armsby sOul'-
 "Yo' old humbugl Tore not going to bring back money. Tore taking 1t and have 1t in that bag. Now l am collecting funds for the Confederate hospitals and will trouble yo' to hand 1t over"
 "Yahl Yah! Mars Armsby. D'yo t'ink l spec to fool one ob de fust gentlemen ob de souf? No, sah. l war list axin' a leadin' question. l wanted to see how de plan would strike yo'."
 Hand out the money or l will show yo' how bullet will strike that black skull of you's."
 Mars Armsby," whlned the old man, "yo' hain't gwine t take t all and leave poor Simon to go back to wuk all de res ob be days? Cain't yo' find it in yo' generous. heart to glib me leetle ob de gor? Remember, de Armsbys might fine people,
 Whether the captain was touched with pity or shame, or fattered at ST. mons reference to his family, he con- sented.
 "WeI, get out the stun and I'll see"
 simon opened the meal sack, drew out a small canvas bag which he also opened, and, taking out a dozen half eagles, said:
 "Ef yo' only gib me these n shoot a lot O holes in my clothes to show dat yo' tux de rest de Lawd I'll press yo' honorable soul. There's a thousand dollars in all"
 "No one of my name ever refused a request. Keep what yo' have and hand me the rest"
 "Yo hain't goin' of without frin' holes fo' me to show"
 Hand up the bag, and I'll fire all the holes yo' want"
 "On de word ob a Armsby2'
 "Yes, yo' rascal, on the word of an Armsby," replied the bandit, fattered ln spite of himself at the confidence in the integrity of one of his tribe.
 Simon gave him the bag, then, stand ing of a few yards, held up his hat, and Armsby fired two shots into 1t.
 "Now put some into my coat" said simon, holding up the garment
 Armsby put 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 nigger, It was yo'r fault. Hold up the rag again. There! There's but one button on 1t. 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 n ro,ol,-ar Arp,shv- bod Rra1 civ sbDtq