The log cabin Democrat., 1909-11-16

| hair and muStache or raven blacKness. l There was something about him that proclaimed his nationality as straight American; and once on looking up as I raked in a big stake my eye caught his and he smiled good-humoredly. l But some of the other faces in the room were not so pleasant to see. | There were dark, jealous eyes that gazed at me, as though the owners were deeply resentful of the luck that had befallen the intrusive Americana. I decided that it would be good policy to quit while still ahead of the game, and pocketing my winnings I left the room. As went down the stairs lead ing to the street I glanced back and noticed three Mexicans following me. AS turned the corner of dark street the footsteps behind me quickened. and l swung suddenly around just fn time to see the trio closing in upon me. Something bright gleamed in the hand of the foremost man, and l ducked my head swiftly under the murderous sweep of knife that would probably have put an end to all tho joys and sorrows of this life as far as 1 1 was concerned II Ine DIduS udu reached the intended mark.
 The next instant I whipped out my six-shooter and grasping it by the bar rel brought the butt down heavily on the head of my assailant, knocking him into the gutter I did not wish to fire a shot unless actually compelled to do so, as Mexican law is bad thing to fool with where an American is con- cerned, and even the killing of thug might have brought unpleasant conse- quences in it's train. Just then tall form loomed up behind the other two Mexicans, there was a muttered oath in the Yankee tongue, and one of the Greasers fell headlong under the per suasive influence of a powerful blow on the jaw, His companion uttered a shriek of dismay and fled swiftly down the dimly lighted thoroughfare, leav- ing my unknown rescuer and myself masters of the situation. The fellow I had knocked down now began to show signs of regaining his senses. Until then he had lain where he had fallen, but at last groaned, rolled over and staggered to his feet. He limped slowly away, followed by his remain ing companion. We stood on our guard lest fresh attach should be made, but there was TO fear of anything of the kind. The Mexican bandits had had all they wanted in the way of rough house."
 None of those chaps have any real sand" remarked the stranger coolly, as ] grasped his hand and thanked him warmly for his well-timed assist ance. They are all right for a sudden burst, especially if they can catch man unawares, but they lack staying power. No wonder old General Scott's boys found them easy picking. I no- ticed those three skunks sneak out after you when you quit the casino. and I thought I would trail along and see what the wind-up would be-"
 By this time we had strolled down the street little way, and the light of a lamp falling on my companions fea- lures, I recognized the tall, dark Amer ican who had attracted my attention in the gambling house. At my request he accompanied me to the hotel where l was staying, and we sat smoking and chatting up to an early hour in the morning. I found my new acquaint- ance to be well informed man. and most agreeable companion. His name, he said, was Clarkson, but he volunteered no information as to his occupation in life, and seeing that he was disposed to be reticent on this point I forebore to press him. When he finally rose to go, he retained my hand in his grasp moment, hesitated, and then said:
 T like your style, Reno, and though 1 am never liable to meet you again I hate to sail under false colors. You may as well know who I am. I told you my name is Jim Clarkson, but I used to travel under another that was pretty we'll known and talked about in the States couple of years ago. Did you ever by any chance hear of an out law called Black Bart?"
 Heard of Black Bart? I should say I had. For an instant was unable to reply and stood staring open-mouthed at my singular companion. He laughed in tone that had something of re- strained bitterness in it.
 T see you have" he said; '1t would be an odd thing If you hadn't being a western man, Well. I'm Black Bart. that was; an exile, now, who must never claim the shelter of the good old Stars and Stripes again I envy you, man, going back into Gods coun- try, while I must drag out the F of my existence among these bIe ed Greasers."
 shook hands with him again. Tt makes no difference who or what you were,' said; "the fact remains that in all probability I owe my life to you, and am duly grateful"
 He smiled broadly. Well" he said. let's hope that the one good turn 1 was able to do a brother American may be set down in my favor when it comes to the final reckoning"