The Arvada enterprise., 1913-04-17
surprising Gnder the circum


Of his own sterling qualities His
work carries him continually among
the denizens of forest and plain and
few men know the habits and traits
OF the wild game in Natures Zoo"
better than Ross.
| feel rather like telling tales out of
school by narrating the following lit.
Tie story OF Ross. 1t is so typical OF
the great, big, boyish heart of the
man, that | can not refrain from tell.
ing 1t.
II so happened that Ross foregath.
| ered with three other Americans in
Nalrobi to celebrate independence
day They had very lively dinner,
ana aiterWard proceeded to loose oil
steam by firing off number of crack.
ers and rockets. Tiring OF this tame
pastime, they started in to turn Nal
FoDl into wild West" town by
shooting out the street lamps from the
'erahda OF the hotel. This sport soon
palled, and they went for walk down
town with the object of seeking new
helds or enjoyment. They happened
TO pass the bank and saw the win,
dow open, and Parsee clerk working
at ledger under light.
lhe temptation was too strong for
Ross and his three American compan
ions. They lit some crackers and
threw them Tito the bank building
through the open window. The clerk
mistook them for bombs and rushed
out, shouting "Murder!" The negro
constable on the beat below blew his
whistle for help, and the barracks be
ing close at hand, soon had some 20
dusky policemen respond TO the
alarm call. In the general mix-up
and to avoid arrest for their prank,
ROSS ana his companions roughly han
dIed the policemen and put them to
flight
happened to be in command of the
police at Nairobi, and soon came upon
the scene in answer to telephone
call arrested the four practical jok
ers Tor disturbing the peace" and
resisting police officer in the exc
cut!on of his duty" They we're all
released on bail, and subsequently,
stood their trial before the sessions
Judge and a white jury.
The jury, in the face of the weight
Of evidence, brought in a verdict OF
not guilty, and all were acquitted
Ross made an ample apology to all
concerned for his share in the es.
capade, and laughingly told me that
he thought it pretty hard that good
American could not enjoy his national
holiday without being arrested.
When Colonel Roosevelt visited
East Africa he met Major Ross. and
the two men found much in common
Al the banquet given in Nairobi to the
eX-presldent, Major Ross was selected
to present a rhinoceros-foot box to
! the distinguished visitor as a token OF
regard from the Americans in the
colony. In a short speech at the pre-
SENSATION, Major Ross, to every ones
keen delight and particularly that OF
Colonel Roosevelt, repeatedly referred
to the famous hunter as Colonel
Rosenfelt." In his reply the colone!
referred to the many years Major
Ross had spent in America and par
ticularly in the west. saying that they
were both pretty good Rocky noun.
, tain men"
1t is somewhat surprising to think
| how this man of many weird eXperi
ences and continuous adventure has
settled down to his official life in
East Africa. See him in his spotless
white duck government uniform with
his breast glittering with his four or.
ders and medals, and you will hard.
ly credit that this is the man whose
reckless daring and quick.handed met.
ing out of justice in the Boer war set
all the British army talking.
See him as | have seen him, clad
in evening dress at government
house junction. smoking short pine
and you may laugh for a moment be.
cause he looks like a duck out of wa.
ter. But you will not laugh long. for
you will quickly recognize that here
Is MAN. 1t is because he is pre-.
eminentiy a man that he is a leader
among men.
The spirit Of the rover OF the plains
and the seeker after adventure is
strong within him, and it is plain tc
the naked eye. He is no social mimic
Of civilized customs. He is not pol.
ished, his hands are not manicured
his face is not massaged, his clothes
are anything but fashionable, but he
cares not. and after a few minutes
conversation with him you do not
care either.
Again, see him playing with chill
dren. as ! have seen him, laughing
and happy. and you viii begin to un
dcrstand that though a man may be
quick to snuT out a life when it is
necessary. this does not imply that he
is hcartless or cruel. No man who can
look at Ross when he is playing with
his little children friends. can be
cruel or heartlcss
But Ross will tell you that it IL
sometimes imperative to carry a gun
and II you do so it is essential thai
YOU can shoot straight and be quicker
on the trigger than the other man Al
he once uaiyoly told me. shoot
quick and straight The last man IL
gets the fun service and won't waul
,,. 90 Hlrf'