The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1910-01-27

man from very far up the creek" However.
this was a mistake. Mcdonald ascertained
that his customer had really sent the money
by Melvin to pay his bill, and considered what
be ought 70 do. Morally, perhaps legally. he
could have demanded payment a second time.
on the ground that the said customer. being
acquainted with Melvin, should have selected
a more reliable messenger. But that was not
the Bill Mcdonald way. What he did was to
write to Melvin. demanding an explanation,
adding IN pretty positive terms that he ex-
pected immediate settlement. No reply came.
and a second and a third letter followed. each
getting more definite as to phrase. Then one
day Melvin and certain henchmen from Baylor
appeared on the streets Of Wichita Falls. Nc
Donald, who had heard OF their arrival. sud.
denly confronted Melvin and delivered himself
In such terms and with what emphasis as he
had on hand at the moment. Melvin withdrew.
gathered his clans and laid for Mcdonald in
front OF a saloon where the latter had 20 pass
Though previously warned OF the ambush. Nc.
Donald did pass, with the result that next
morning Melvin settled his bill in fun. paid
Tor a glass door that he had broken and a hne
and costs amounting 10 $65. for CARRYING con.
cealed weapons. What really happened To
Melvin is best told in Bill Jess's own testt.
mony' when that same morning he had him.
self been summoned TO answer n charge for
carrying concealed weapons. disturbing the
peace and for assault-said action being tho
result OF Melvin's judicial pull Arriving At
the courtroom. the prosecuting attorney asked
Mcdonald II he had a lawyer.
mo" he said. Il don't need ANYBODY N
defend me for knocking a scoundrel over. ri
attend TO my own case. whatever is neces.
sary."
The attorney then stated the charge TO the
court Bill Jess waited until he was through
and then asked permission to speak.
Your honor" he said. rising, I'm a busy
man. with no time 10 be fo0ling around this
way with men who give bogus checks and
steal horses and such like. but II your honor
VIII spare about a minute III tell what hap
pened." He then gave a history OF the lumber
transaction and added the sequel as follows;
When ! wrote him as strong a letter as
l could frame up and as would go through the
mail he come down with a crowd OF what no
thought was fighting men and | met him and
uled Ike a gentleman TO persuade him 10
settle up and TO convince him what a dad.
blamed rascal he was. which be plead guilty
10 and didn't deny. Then he gathers his feeble
bunch OF fighters together. arms them up with
siXshooters and corrals them In Bill Holly's
saloon. that ] had to pass. going home. !
met Johnny Hammond. who tried 10 persnade
me not 20 take that street-said those fellows
were up there and I'd better go in some other
direction. ! said ! wasn't IN the habit OF 20.
INK out Of my way for such cattle and pro
ceeded on up the street When ! got IN front
Of BIN Holly's. Melvin and his warriors
stepped out Melvin wanted an explanation
OF my former remarks and / gave II 10 him
and added some more which ] would not like
70 mention In the presence OF this court
Then be pulled out a big. white handled forty.
i've six-shooter. but being a little slow with Il.
] grabbed II by the barrel and hit him with
my fist two or three times. which kinder
Jared him loose from his gun. Then I gave
him a rap on the head with Il and knocked
him through Bill Holly's glass front door. Into
the saloon. His pals pulled their guns. but /
covered them with the one 7 took away from
Melvin and they nearly broke the furniture 10
pieces getting out OF there. / didn't see any
more OF any Of them until next morning Then
l looked up the bunch and got a check In fun.
with interest. from Melvin and made him pay
Bill Holly IS for his glass door. SO far as
carrying a gun is concerned. ] had one. and I
got another from this fellow here, who had
pulled II on me. ! took Il away from him and
hit him with II and ! have the same here ia
my possession now, 10 turn over 10 the court"
Bin Jess reached dow ewh and.
drawing forth the big, white-handied six
shooter laid Il down IN front OF the court
Then suddenly turning upon Melvin. who was
present, he looked him straight through.
Amt all ! have said. sol" he demanded.
Melvin found himself unable 20 tell any.