The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1915-04-30
The
Checkerboard Man
By WILLIAM CHANDLER

GAVCAy "OuACnAubs AAc10 WSA0 0oAA
a dozen passengers inside the coach,
half Of whom were ladies, and Eve
men outside. -Four Of the outsiders
were of the toughest element Of the
region. which in those days was not at
all smooth. On the seat with the driv-
er sat a man In a checkerboard suit
The four men In his rear were talk
ing in a vein not at all appropriate for
the ear Of ladies and SO loudly that
they could easily be heard in the coach
below. The man in the checkerboard
suit upon hearing a very coarse remark
turned and looked at the man who
made it, but said nothing.
MY young friend" said the man look
ed at, do you see anything to admire
In my appearance?"
II don't see anything to admire in
your language"
The man hitched a revolver around
from his hip. saying, What dye think
o that"
II have no use for firearms; never
carry 'em myself"
The other clinched his fist what
dye think o. that7"
"Oh, that's something I can under
stand. I carry. those tools myself"
"Well, then, II you find anything
more about me you don't like you'll
get it behind the ear"
ply to this, but when the other launch.
ed forth another coarse remark, accom-
panied by an oath, the former turned
and said in a subdued voice:
II say. my friend, you want to talk
in a way that is unpleasant to my SEN
sitive ears. We can't both have our
own way. How would it do for us to
stop the coach, get down and have a
friendly set-to to settle the matter"
"What! A little whippersnapper like
you fight a six footer like me! I'd spoil
your clothes"
"Oh, that won't matter. l can take
them off above the waist"
go him, JIM" said one Of the other
men.
Go him! Why, eff I'd hit him real
hard l might break him. He's too
purity to be smashed like a piece O.
chiney." .
Jim's companions were anxious to
see a mill and insisted upon his &C
cepting the challenge. The coach was
halted. The two principals walked
q short distance from it, followed by
most of the men inside and outside,
while the driver remained on the box
and the ladies crowded to the win
dow. The checkerboard man threw of
his coat and vest, while his antagonist
remained in wooden shirt and trousers
tucked in his boots. One Of the men
relieved him of his revolver, while an
other drew a ring with the point of q
dirk knife on the ground. When all
was ready the principals started for
the center of the ring.
The spectators were looking for the
fight to begin when they were startled
at seeing Jim lying on his back. His
antagonist had planted his fist I'm.
der his jaw 30 quickly that ordinary
eyesight was incapable Of following
the action. Jim sat up and looked
about him, indicating that he scarcely
understood what had happened. Then
he rose to his feet, but before he could
square himself on his legs he was
down again.
He began to get riled and. jumping
up with fair. agility, went for his
enemy like a bull, aiming a blow at
his cheek. But his enemy was not
there. and before Jim could aim an
other blow an arm was around his
neck, and he was receiving a quick
succession of taps on his nose, bring
ing a stream of blood, which trickled
on the virgin soil of Colorado. He
struggled desperately to free himself,
but that crooked arm was like iron and
was choking him. When both eyes
were closed and his nose resembled a
beet he was released and stood totter-
ing and cropping. One of his party went
to him and led him back to the coach.
Every one understood what the
fight was about, and all united in a
shout Of triumph. The conquered man
was helped up OF to the coach by his
friends. The checkerboard man re-
sumed his coat and vest and climbed to
his seat by the driver. When all were
aboard the driver chirruped to the
horses and the coach rolled on. 1t had
been stopped just seven minutes.
At the next relay was an eating
house. where dinner was served. All
left the coach and before dining gath.
cred around the ~checkerbOard man, Of
fering him congratulations, the ladies'
of the party being especially compli.
mentary In their remarks. The four,
men who had done the loud talking
Kept by themselves. but when the con.
queror was granted a respite his victim
shuf1ed up to him and put out his
hand. q.
stranger" he said. .whar did 70
learn how to handle yer fsts7'
"Oh. that's my profession. I run
school for boxing in Chicago"
"Y' don't mean it!!"'
With that the fellow skunk away,
and when the coach started up again
neither he nor any Of his friends was