Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-03-11

nearer-the latter ha1f OF the remark que 10
a trickle of blood on the mans ear. where the
last bullet had sung its warning song trihe
too near. '-i
The hack went to Kingfisher next morning
with every seat full and the driver sitting on
the knees OF two prisoners The Sand creek
gang-one Of the toughest gangs in the Terri
tory-in the space of n single day and by .
single man had been retired from business.
The Cherokee Strip campaign was not al
lowed to ianguish.. An outlaw community
about 25 miles north Of Kingfishcr and seven
miles west OF Hennessey. on Turkey creek.
was raided next. In the course OF his tree
selling Mcdonald had fallen In with man
who was peddlng stolen beef. He had learned
that this man operating for the Turkey
creek gang and that the beef he was selling
was really the property of the Cherokee Strip
Live Stock association.
Mcdonald now went to Kingnsher. took the
beef peddler to wichita Kan. and put him In
Iail Then he got on friendly terms with him
He gave his prisoner some good fatherly ad
vice about bad company and the usual rewards
Of becoming the tool Of lawless men. The
result a general confession and turning
of states evidence. Mcdonald next morning
swore out warrants for the men named and
with n deputy marshal from Kingfsher. who
declared himself willing to go. set out for
Turkey creek. They went in a hack. as usual
and arrived before daylight at the house OF
one Charlie Tex.
in bed He declared he had just arrived in
that country: that there was nobody at home
and that he knew nothing OF the owners
whereabouts They took him along. how
ever and proceeded to another house not
far away but found It also empty. The Off
GERS now concluded that the men had In some
manner got wind OF their coming and were
hiding In the bottoms. They followed way
down tn. creek. breaking through to the prai-
rie again. not far from the Tex house. AS
they did they noticed the man with them
apparently trying to signal in that direction.
Then they became aware that several men
with winchesters were walking leisurely along
the top of the grassy hill. either unaware OF
the presence OF the officers or Indifferent to 1t.
Mcdonald and his associate. satisfied that
these we're the men wanted. set out up the hill
briskly.
Mcdonald did not take time to guess at
their plans. but kept straight after them. sup
posing his companionin-law was following.
The men did not pause when they reached tho
house. but made for halfbuilt log stable
which formed n sort Of pen-and leaping into
it. put their guns through the spaces between
the logs and yelled at Mcdonald to stop. swear.
ing they would kill him II he came any further.
Mcdonald discovered now that his partner
was not with him. nor anywhere in the neigh
borhood. and he concluded to stop and nego-
tiate.
well. boys" he said. IF you want to make
~
for my men to be here. Your partner I got
yesterday said you'd likely try to start some.
thing, SO ! come fixed for such fellows as you.
Come let's what you can do"
Mcdonald waved his hand II signaling
to his companion half mile In the rear and
made a start toward the log fort. Before he
had taken two steps out Of II piled the six out
laws and broke "lickety brindle" for the creek
bottom like a bunch Of frightened steers. Nc
Donald ran after them and saw them leap on
their horses that they had tethered In the
bushes and go tearing down the creek. without
stopping to look behind. Deputy Bill, on his
part. was not sorry to see them go. for they
had him at a serious disadvantage and his
only backing had weakened. Bill Jess Dade a
few choice remarks and they set out for King
fisher by way of IIernessey. He enlisted a
man whom he knew. one Charley Meyers. and
two other young men anxious for adventure.
and next morning struck the trail. which ted
as they expected. in the direction of Turkey
creek. They followed II rapidly and toward
evening came upon their game. There was
no parleyinR this time. Mcdonald headed his
force and they charged with a rush. Three of
the men threw down their arms and surren.
dered--the others fired some scattering shots
as they ran. and they must have kept on run
ming. for they troubled that country NO more