Evening journal., 1908-11-17
,AnAtmOSpheric DeIusiOn

When Ned Pike, cowboy, rode up to
the ranch of Franklin Dolbeare on the
evening of the 10th Of October. 1880,
he found trouble in the household. Dol
beare was a consumptive who had
gone from the east with his wife and
two little children to live in Colorado
in the hope Of regaining his health.
The cause of the trouble was Jim New
ell. That's all any one ever knew about
It. why Newell was bent on killing
Dolbeare was secret that neither
gave out. Anyway every one sympa-
thized with Dolbeare. first, because he
was a pleasant, mild hammered man;
second, because he was sick, and. third.
because he had the loveliest wife in
the world and two Of the prettiest chill
dren. Pike, who had been sent for by
Mrs. Dolbeare, found that lady waiting
for him In the living room
Ned" she said Newell has written
Frank letter saying that he will shoot
him on sight unless he consents to q
more regular way Of meeting. got
the letter. opened 1t and haven't said
anything to Frank about IT. For heay-
ems sake try and get rid of Newell
without letting Frank know In his
condition he isn't able to think about
It, much less stand up and fight"
ut wouldn't be fight. 1t would be
murder" said Pike
Cant you do somethingr'
Pike took some tobacco from his
pocket. rolled a cigarette lighted it.
gave a few thoughtful puffs and said.
How long has Newell been up here p
"He came yesterday"
Ever been in these parts beforeg'
mot that know Of"
A few more deliberate puGfs.
"Just you don't worry. Mrs. Dol
beare. and don't say anything to any
body. I'll sec what can be done"
With that he went out, mounted his
horse and rode away. Later, after
making inquiries as to where Newell
might be found. he rode up to an adobe
house where he saw his man sitting on
the porch.
"Air. Newell?" he asked.
"Yes?" said the other. with n slight
start and placing his hand where he
could more easily grasp his revolver
1--WE got a message for you from
Franklin Dclbeare. He'll meet you to-
morrow morning just before sunup."
"All right. When? WhereT
"You stayln' herey"
ayes"
well, you start from here with one
six shooter at . o'clock exactly and
walk up the road. On tho way you'll
meet your man with another six shoot
or You can crack away as soon as
you Ike. He'll do the same. Is that
satisfactory"
"Yes; that suits me as well as any
way"
Late that night Pike rode up to the
ranch and asked Mrs. Dolbeare for 2
suit Of her husbands clothes.
She gave him what he wanted Will
anxious inquiry IN her face, but asked
no questions Pike gave her no in
formation. Before daylight the mex
morning he had shaved of his beart
and put on Dolbeares suit. Then b.
drew his sombrcro over his eyes. look
cd at the clock. exc mined his revolve
and started at slow pace down tn
road
It was a cloudless. crisp autumn
morning. The altitude was 1000 fee
above sea level, and the neighborin
peaks stood out clear cut against th
slowly lighting sky. Presently tn
cowboy squattcd behind a bush at th
side of the road. waited and watched
Ten minutes later Newell turned
bend ard appeared plainly in sight
Pike waited. Newell came on. Sud
denly Pike left the bush and appeare
In the road The moment Newell say
him he raised his revolver and free
but without effect Then~he fred tw
more shots, and as he saw his enem
still advance unharmed he appeared I
be astonished. But ut that momen
Pike fred shot. This drew anothe
from Newell. making four Pike fire
two shots in succession and Newe
fred one
Pike row had three shots In his r.
volver 10 Newelrs one. Pike stoppe
and appeared 70 be taking a deli5erat
aim. His enemy, fearing he would thi
time surely be hit. fired his last shot
Then Pike. who had been walkin
slowly. increased his pace. Newell
throwing away his empty revolver, pt
his hand to his hip, drew another an
began a rapid fusillade.
The houndr' muttered Pike b.
tween his teeth.
It was evident that Newell had lo'
his head. 1t wos not surprising that /
should. He had fred nearly a doze
shots. any one of which he felt sui
when he fired It would bring down b
man. Yet that man kept advancing
apparently getting NO nearer. But pre-
emily the shots began to whistle abol
Pixies head. though so great was h
enemy's agitation that none Of the
told Suddenly Pike stood still, toe
deliberate aim and shot his ma
through the forehead.
While Mrs. Dolbeare was dressir
for breakfast she was told that Pil
wished to see her. Throwing on
wrapper. she went to meet him with
pale face and inquiring eyes.
ITS all right Mrs Dolbeare,'
said.
How? What is itT'
"Oh. It was easy enough. Whe