Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1909-05-13
(Copyright. Dodd. Mead cOmpanyJ


entrance was reached they came scud.
ding along with every appearance OF
haste, but then their mainsails came
tumbling down to the deck. and the
boats with sufficient way left on them
moved easily over the still water, and
felt their way to berth. Small boats
conveyed the fish to the quay, where
embryo fishermen were appraising the
catch with a wisdom beyond their
years.
In the small market, short red
faced man with a scrubby beard
walked in disparaging fashion from
heap to heap, using a favorite briar
in lieu OF a hammer to knock down
such fish as found bidders. The lat
ter were few and wary, and turning q
deaf ear to eloquence expressed opin-
ions distasteful to an auctioneer's ear
in crude English.
That's Joe Gubbs' CATCH" he bawled.
"S'elp me, Id know that mans luck
anywhere"
He turned the fish over scornfully
with his foot, and, with severe glance
at the hapless Gubbs, moved away to
something more salable.
Where dye get 'em from. Gubbs?"
inquired an aggravating voice. I'VE
never get such things in our nets. I've
never seen some o them things
afore."
There's a lot you amt seen, Bob
Tarbut," said Gubbs, turning upon him,
land what you do see don't do you
much good"
He jumped back suddenly as the
fist of the sensitive Tarbut shot sud-
denly out, and treading on q small
fish whirled round wildly with his
hands in the air in the effort to re-
tain his balance, and sat down heavily.
Stand up" said Gubbs, sternly, as
he shook himself free from these
friends.
81 am a-standin' up!" said Tarbut.
The two combatants approached
each other stealthily, and, maneuver-
ing round the heaps Of fish, struck
safely at each other over these con-
venient barriers.
Get 'em in the road" said an ex-
cited voice. they can't 'urt each other
here"
A dozen kindly hands helped them
there, and finding too much strategy
for sport in large ring. at the bidding
of the resourceful individual who had
last spoken, gradually made 1t smaller
and smaller. Two or three small
blows warmed the combatants, and
they set to work In earnest. Then
Gubbs, under a heavy blow from Tar
but, went to the ground and stayed
there.
1t was three minutes before he came
thoroughly round, and then he sat up
in dazed fashion and looked round
for his opponent.
Did l kill imp" he inquired, in a
whisper. .
mo, not quite" said one Of his
friends, gently.
Gubbs rubbed his eyes. what are
they patting him on the back for?" he
inquired, eying the group who were
making fuss over Tarbut.
Zoos he's won," said his friend.
Gubbs staggered to his feet.
Its no good" said the landlord of
the Three Fishers" who had run over
to the scene of the fray; you wasn't
properly trained, you know. Now, look
ere. If you put yourself in my hands,
in three weeks you can beat him hol-
ler."
You do as Mr.. Larkins ses. Joe,"
said his friend. impressively.
For the next Ave minutes, needless
of the assertions Of both men that
they wouldn't fight any more, bets
were freely taken, Tarbut, in view of
his recent success, being a hot IA
vorite.
A Earring element was introduced
into the proceedings by small. elderly
man wearing piece Of blue ribbon.
who, pushing his way in eagerly, in
CURED what it was all about. Nobody
troubling to give him correct an
swer, he tried to solve 1t for himself,
and was then caught, just in the nick
of time, trying to make the enemies
shake hands.
You 60 on to your mothers meet
ing, Peter Morgan" said an incensed
voice.
There's a purse O. fifteen aid six
made up for the winner" said Larkins,
turning away and whispering the news
to Gubbs. THE spot for the picnicll
be made known later on. Them what's
In the know u respectfully asked to ]