Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-08-16

TANNING A dad MAN."
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to another street, whereupon they re-
tired precipitately.
The merchant followed by his anx-
1ous clerk, went out to where the des-
perado was sitting, cross-legged and
cross7armed, vigilantly guarding his
self-selected limits.
you're Wildcat Pete are your"
asked the merchant.
Yes, sir, I'm Wildcat Pete,'" re-
piled the other, not deigning to look
up at him.
The merchant was a newcomer
from the East, and Pete considered
him a minus quantity.
"Well, Pete" said the merchant,
briskly, I'm paying good rent for this
property, and I've built a sidewalk,
and gone to other expense for i'm
provements, and 1 can't afford having
my customers driven off, like you're
doing. Now go over on the other side
Of the street, and sit in front Of that
vacant lot; or there's a splendid place
in front Of the blacksmith shop. It's
shady there. Don't sit here"
II reckon I'll sit here just as long
as I please" declared Pete, unaffect-
ed.
The merchants color rose. He was
a tenderfoot, but he had spirit. "You
will, will you," he retorted. Then he
turned to his clerk, and said, in an
undertone: George, go in and get the
gun"
The "gun" was a $3.50 repeater.
heavy enough for bear.
The clerk brought it out
"Now, Pete" addressed the mer-
chant, more briskly, II want you to
move-and move quick"
For the first time the desperate
looked up, and it was into the muzzle
Of the rifle.
II reckon won't" he announced.
obstlnately.
II reckon you WILL" announced the
merchant with equal obstinacy. "I'n
give you just one minute to get out, or
I'll blow you Quit"
II reckon you WON'T" persisted Pete,
apparently callous.
George, hold the watch on u.s." babe
the merchant.
George held the watch. The desper-
ado fidgeted, and seemed inclined to
rise. He moved circumspectly, know
Ing that the merchant had the drop
on him.
WELL" he said, ~ guess I'll 90 and
sit on the other side Of the street, by
the vacant lot. But I'll see you later"
he added, meaningly.
mo, you won't" snapped the mer-
chant. IF you want to see me, you
can see me right now"
Il reckon I'll sit awhile in front of
the blacksmith shop" drawled Pete;
and with an injured air he slouched
off toward the site proposed, and there
established headquarters, much to the
disgust of the blacksmith.
The merchant re-entered the store.
and received the congratulations Of his
customers.
Meanwhile, at the blacksmith shop,
wildcat Pete" was voicing dire
threats, all Of which conveyed the
same meaning: that he was going to
kill the merchant on sight. The mer-
chant heard. He was advised by
friends right and left to arm himself
and be prepared to shoot first; but he
sturdily refused. He simply sent
word:
Tell that fellow Pete that I don't
carry a gun, and that I shall continue
to so back and forth along the street
just as usual. I'm not afraid Of him.
Only, if he tries to interfere with my
personal rights, or with my business,
he's likely to get in trouble. He may
talk all he wants to, but he must leave
me alone"
However, the desperado's buster be-
gan to prove irksome. It distressed
the merchants wife exceedingly, and
kept her constantly wrought up lest
her husband should be murdered. It
had effect upon the merchant himself,
naturally making him watchful and
nervous, and enforcing upon him pre-
cautions, If not for his own sake, then
for the sake of his family. He stayed
in the back part Of the store, and ut
home was careful not to expose him
self at window.
Finally the strain became unendur-
able. The merchant decided to put
an end to 1t.
It was just a week after the encoun-