The new era., 1910-05-05

But Capt. Bill was game. He was broth
er-in-law to the church," as he said--his wife
being member-and the following Sunday he
put on the silk hat and accompanied her to
meeting
Their seat was up near the front, only q step
from the pulpit-a good thing for the minister.
otherwise nobody would have looked in his
direction. As It was. all eyes were aimed to
ward Capt Bill and his hat The congregation
had seen him come in with 1t In his hand, and
they could still observe the wonder. for it
would not do to put SO fine piece Of property
on the door. while to set 1t toppling on his lap
would be to court disaster 1t seemed neces-
sary therefore to hold 1t in his hand, raised
little, and at distance from his body. in order
that by no chance movement the marvellous
gloss of 1t should be marred. The people of
Quanah who attended church that day were
glad to be there. They are still glad. They do
not remember the sermon they heard. but they
do remember that hat. Even the minister wan
dered from his text in his contemplation Of
the splendid exhibition. Those of Quanah who
remained away from service that memor
able Sunday have never entirely recovered
from their regret. For 1t was their only op-
portunity ever to see Capt. Bill in plug hat
When services were over, the congregation
crowded about for nearer view. Cowboys
stood up on the backs of the pews to look over
the shoulders Of those in front Of them Home
sick women who remembered such things back
east, shed tears. Many wanted to touch the
precious thing-to stroke its silken surface.
and among there were little children who In
sisted on rubbing the fur the wrong way.
Capt Bill got out at last and headed for
home. Orce there. the gift Of the attorney
gene-1i was reverently damned and laid away.
Somewhere In secret stronghold. deep buried
from mortal eye. It exists to this hour.
Culberson became governor in the course Of
time. and, remembering Capt Bills peculiar
talents, was wont to rely upon him for special
work in any portion of the state where nerve
determination and prompt accurate marksman
ship were likely to be Of value.
During February 1896. a national sporting
events ring contest between Bob F1tzsin-
mons and Pete Maher-was advertised to take
place at Ell Paso. busy city dropped down on
the extreme western point Of the Texas des
ert ON the banks Of the Rio Grande. Gov. Cul-
berson speaking for himself as well as for the
better class of citizens in his state, announced
that, SO long as he was in once. Texas would
not go on record as prixe-nghting common
wealth. and that the tight would not take place
Whereupon there came crisis. Certain in
terested citizens Of Ell Paso had made up .
purse Of $4,000 to bring this event to the
Paris of Texas" and these and their friends
were filled with Indignation Dan Stuart, prom
inent in Texas sporting matters and promo
ter Of this particular event. issued proclama-
ton which bore not only the announcement
that the hght would take place advertised.
but picture Of Dan himself Also. It was de-
clared that there was no law In Texas which
would prevent prixefghting. and the prepara-
uons for this particular event continued.
Thereupon Gov. Cuiberson promptly called =
special session Of the legislature to pass . law
which would be effective. and Adjt. Gen. Ma
bry ordered the State Ranger Service to a.
semble at FL Paso to see that this law was en-
forcsdAt having been widely reported that
Bat Nastsrson with . hundred lighting men
would b present to zee that nSht come OF.
Thsn. whsa Il was rumored that The contest