Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1916-11-16
AStranger In a
Strange Land
He Found a Strange Custom.
but Was Equal to 1t.
By ALAN HINSDALE

A man left an eaStbound train pass
Ing through a region west of the Mis-.
souri, river and inquired for Transports
ton to point out of the line of travel
He was Enthusiastically English in the
appearance both pertaining to himself
and his clothes. But instead Of the
rugged physique Of many Britishers he
was rather small, and his pale cheeks
gave evidence of Ill health.
There was difference Of opinion as
TO how he could best reach the point
he was aiming for. Some said the road
was rough and the gentleman did not
look as IL he had the strength to stand
the jolting Of wagon. Others said
that if he went on horseback he would
be equally shaken up The wit of the
locality suggested that there were road
agents along the line of travel and 1t
was as much as a mans life was worth
to pass over it. In saying this the
Joker nudged the man next him, as
much as to say. Reckon I'll skeer him
out of It"
gestions with evident interest. except
the one about the road agents. this not
seeming especially to interest him.
He succeeded in hiring a team to
take him to his destination and was
driven by the owner. who, wondering
at an Englishman wearing apparel by
no means like any other in that region,
was inclined to question him as to
why he was there. But the gentleman
was taciturn and gave him no satisfac-
don. Indeed. after the driver had
abandoned his attempt to pump the
stranger the Engishman asked a few
questions for himself.
"I've heard" he said, that out here
there's what they call gun play that
there are men who think no more of
putting lead into a fellow than into q
dog"
"Oh, that sort o. thing used to be
practiced out here" was the reply,
but we're civilized now and don't do
1t any more. At least it's not prac-
ticed near the railroad, where the
country has been settled and court
~" huo tdhth Tic DluIc VI gun law
But away from the railroads there are
spots where the rough element has
congregated. and there's still more or
less free shooting This region where
you're going is one Of that kind.
wouldn't advise any man to go there
without a couple of revolvers slung
under his coat"
: "They say" remarked the stranger,
that when there is shooting going on
It's the man who gets the DROP as
you say out here, on his enemy and
shoots quickest who comes out ahead"
That's about It," said the other.
The stranger turned from the use Of
the revolver to the products of the coun-
try and learned that horses were raised
there and the point he was making
for was Il center of horse raising ter
ritory. frolSthe fact that it comprised
fine grazing lands. The stranger asked
about the price usually paid for an av-
erage horse and the best way of getting
horses to market and seemed interest
ed In getting all the information on the
subject that was to be had. But he
terested in horsefesh.
On reaching their destinati on-a ham
let of half dozen houses-they drew
up before store building which was
the only one In the place that was not
occupied for dwelling purposes except
saloon. AS the Englishman alighted
he attracted the attention of a couple
of men standing ON the porch of the
saloon.
"Just look at that Pete" said one of
these men, referring to the stranger.
did you ever see anything so purity
In your life? Do you ketch on to the
glass eye-and the hat?" The Eng
lishman wore a helmet. Just think o.
You or me sportin' sich lookin' thing
rs that on our heads. And see the yal-
Ter things on his shoes. all buttoned up
so ladylike.'
Shouldn't wonder IL we could get
some fun outen him, Bill" said the
other. Lets ask him in for a drink"
Meanwhile the Englishman was max.
Ing inquiries for a man he had come to
meet. The two men on the saloon
porch approached him. and Bill ad-
dressed him in this wise:
MY friend, ! don't know who you
are or where you come from. but it's
the custom O. this place to treat all
strangers hospitable, and me and this
we're gent invites you to step into the
saloon and have somethin'"
Your kind attention is appreciated,
1 assure YOU" said the Britisher ssbut
seeing that l don't drink must ask
you to take the will for the deed"
That's somethin' we never do In
these parts" was the reply, especial
~ when mans invited to drink. Per.
haps you're not aware that with us
refusin' to liquor when invited is con-
sidered an insult"
"Oh, you mustn't take 1t that way.
I'm not in good health, and my doctor
has fnrhtdAa,, lx-i,,