Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1913-02-13

ger was right. He should he allowed
to go for Il weapon. after which. If he
would rather fight than set up the
drinks. he could begin shooting as soon
as he liked.
Il couldn't hit II barn door with a
gun" said Bill. but | wouldn't mind
a fight with fists. That wouldn't do
either. There isn't any of you here
who would be a match for me-"
The loiterers held Il conference. and
n of them. thinking he could tackle
the stranger. offered to do So. Bill
shook his head. 1T wouldn't be a fair
match" he said. Pm too heavy for
you" Then. after a moments pause.
he added: There's a young man trav-
cling with me who l think would about
do for you. If you don't mind refer
ring the dispute to him 1 don't mind
either"
''Trot him out" was the reply to
this.
Bill asked the man he had invited to
drink to go for his friend, and Johnny
soon came into the saloon. His ap-
pearance at once excited a guffaw, the
object Of which stood looking m
what puzzled. Bill explained the sit
uation to him and, turning to the
crowd. said:
Hes a better man than he looks,
but if any of you gentlemen wants to
bet you can knock him out l wouldn't
object to going you for a small amount
on it."
There vas another conference, which
resulted in the scraping together of
$12. all there was among the western
ers. and they nominated a man they
called Bif Hunker to stand up against
the little fellow and win a similar
amount to be put up by Bill. The
stage driver was called in for stake
holder. and a ring was formed on the
level ground before the saloon. John
ny took of his coat and vest retaining
his shirt. Had he dofed this also
some surprise might have been created
at the muscle lying under the soft
white skin Of his arm. AS it was,
Johnny didn't show for much more
than when his coat was on him.
His antagonist stood six feet one in
his stockings and was a powerful man.
The only thing against him was the
use of too much liquor. and he could
not be expected to last very long
against n Of equal strength. Realiz-
ing this element Of weakness, he went
at Johnny like a bull, intending to
crush him out at once. But Johnny
pirouetted like a dancing master and
before his enemy could recover dealt
him a smart blow on the nose that
drew first blood.
This first episode caused those who
had calculated to win a little money
to doubt the ease with which it could
be obtained. Johnny didn't seem in a
hurry to tackle his enemy, keeping on
the defensive. But it o o became ap-
parent to the %bystanders that there
was a cat and a mouse game going on.
only the mouse was playing with the
cat to the cats discontinue. The big
man struck out with blows heavy
enough to break every bone in his an
~tagonist's body, but the body was new
Ell in the place at which he aimed.
Johnny sidestepped and ducked and
fell back. his enemy vainly trying to
find him with his big fist.
The westerner soon lost his wind
and from that time staggered about
like the hulk of a derelict tossed by
the waves.
II don't want to hurt him." johnny
replied, still dancing about in a circle.
Presently the big man gathered his
forces for a final effort. Johnny dived
between his legs. rose and landed his
enemy on his back.
The fallen man lay quiet for a few
moments. when he was helped to bis
feet by one Of his friends. But he was
breathing hard and positively declined
to renew the encounter.
Gentlemen said Bill. 'step inside
and join me in a tipple. Mr.. Stake
holder. give the gentlemen back their
stake. Come in. all. I've been inter-
rupted in my ~refreshment long enough
and am very chilly"
All 1ocked into the saloon except the
victor. who remained outside.
"Say. stranger" called one of the
party as he saw Johnny walking away
to the coach. where y goin'?"
Johnny made no reply. and the other
followed the crowd into the saloon.
whats the matter with the kid?"
he asked of Bill. Don't he drink?"
"Not just now. You see, he's a
featherweight boxer on his way to
Frisco to a match made with the Sac
ramento bantam. I'm his trainer. l
don't let him drink"
So MANY and so varied were the ejac-
ulations to this startling announcement
that they could not be separated one
from another.
Nov. gentlemen" continued the
speaker, II see that the coach is ready
to move on. I'm much obliged to you
for affording me amusement during the
stop. and if any Of you would like to go
to see the match I'd be happy to fur
nish you with free admission tickets.
Good morning"
The crowd went with him to the
coach where thev found nv