The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-11-27
AnAtmospheric DeIusion


Copyright, 1905 by American Press Asso-
ciation.l
When Ned Pike, cowboy, rode up to
the ranch of Franklin Dobearc on the
evening of the 10th Of October, 1889.
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 reSaining 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 syInpjt
thized with Dolbeare, first. because he
wassa pleasant. mild hammered maiE
second, Because he was sick, and. third,
becituseshe had the lovellest wife il
the world and two Of the prettlcst 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 n
more regular way of meeting I got
the letter. opened 1t and haven't said
anything TO Frank about 1t. For heav-
ems sake try ard 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"
at wouldn't be fight. 1t would lie
murder said Pike.
Cant you do something"
Pike took some tobacco from his
pocket, rolled a cigarette, lighted It.
gave n few thoughtful puffs and said:
How long has Newell been up here?"
'He came yesterday"
Ever been in these parts beforeT
'Not that know Of"
A few more deliberate puffs.
"Just you don't worry. Mrs. Dol
beare. and don't say anything to any
body. I'll gee 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 oil
the porch.
"Mr. Newell?' he asked.
'Yes?" said the other with slight
start and placing his hand where he
could more easily grasp his revolver.
i've got message for you from
franklin Dolbearc. He'll meet you to.
morrow morning Just before sunup."
"A!l right. When? WhereT'
"You stayin' hereT
"Yes."
"Woll. you start from here with one
| six shooter at o'clock exactly and
wall; up the road. On the way yOull
meet your man with another six shoot
er. You can crack away as soon rs
you like. 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 crd asked Mrs. Dolbcarc for n
suit OF Ler husbands clothes. boo
She gave him what he wanted with
anxious inquiry In her face, but asked
no questions. Pike gave her no in
formation. Before daylight the next
morning he had shaved Off his beard
and put on Dolbeare's suit. Then he
drew his sombrero over his eyes. look
ed at the clock, examined his revolver
and started Mt slow pace down the
road.
1t was cloudless, crisp autumn
morning The altitude was 1000 feet
above sea level, and the ncIghboring
peaks stood out clear cut against the
slowly lighting sky. Presently the
cowboy squatted behind bush at the
side of the road. waited and watched.
Ten minutes later Newell turned
bond and appeared plainly in sight.
Pike waited. Newell came on. Sud.
denly Pike left the bush and appeared
| In the road The moment Newell saw
him he ral"od his revolver and fred.
but without effect. Then he fred two
more shots. and as he saw his enemy
still advance unharmed he appeared TO
be astonished. But at that moment
Pike fred shot This drew another
from Newell, making four. Pike fired
two shots In succession and Newell
fred one. atf d,.mr
Pike now had three shots IN his re
volver to Newell's one. Pike stopped
and appeared TO BIZ taking deliberate
Alm. His enemy, fearing he would this
tinc surely he hit, fred his last shot
Then Pike. who had been walking
slowly, Increased his pace. Newell,
throwing away his empty revolver. put
his hand to his hin, drew another and
began rapid fusillade.
"The houndw muttered PIKE be
tween hls teeth.
II was evident that Newell had lost
lii head. II was not surprising that he
should. lie had Cred nearly dozen
shots. any ore az which he felt sure
Nlica lie fired Il would brlng down his
man. Yet that man kept advancing,
apparently getting no nearer, But pres
pntlv the ghots began to WAigtle about