Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1916-08-12
UNIQUE coRoNER's VERDICT.

UNIQUE coRoNER's VERDICT.
Two or three days ago The indie
pendent repore1D the promiscuous
shooting by careless persons which
sometimes imperils life and urged that
all such offenders be given the limit
on the chain gang. Unless this warn
ing is effective, we may expect a cor
oner's verdict like the one rendered
by Tennessee mountaineer jury in
the case OF feud fatality.
When the clansmen of the noun
tains have a fallin' out, the war in
cludes everybody on each side. to the
remotest kin. Every man becomes
a hunter and hunted. With each ia
tality. the hunter cuts notch on his
gunstock. takes a hitch in his trousers
and feels perfectly good.
Once upon time the Aymetts and
Abernathys were at outs. One day
while scouting along lonely road. an
Aymett approached a clump of trees
without taking the usual Indian-like
precautions. The result was to be ex-
pected-a Winchester bullet shot part
of his head away. After he was plant
ed, with the usual clan ceremonies,
the coroner and jury held an inquest
at tho Westinghouse and brought in
the following verdict: 1--WE find that
the death of Bill Aymett was due to
careless exposure"
The Nerve Of "pevIl Anse."
Careless shooting also imperils the
life OF cows and frightens them, which
doesn't improve the milk. This recalls
true story of Devil Anse Hatfield, as
told by an Elko man. the old feudist's
as he was nicknamed by the hill-billy
tribesmen, drove into Bowling Green.
In which neighborhood he was inspect
Ing some land, and started up Main
street to the Winans Hotel. where he
always stopped. He was driS ing n
pair of mettlesome young mules, hitch
ed 10 a spring-wagon. Across his
knees reposed Winchester shotgun.
Under his left arm and at his right
hip, swung two heavy Colt side-ejec'
tors.
Suddenly the old man was espied
by Tom Mccoy. lurking along the ban
quette, with whom Devil Anse was al
outs.
The old man saw his enemy. but he
drove right on, knowing that at piBto
range the first motion of his hand t.
his holster would mean hole through
his vitals. His splendid nerve saveC
him. Out of the corner of his eye III
observed the Mccoy. who stood will
his six-shooter half-pulled.
Mccoy glared at him, but in natura
admiration of the old mans nerve h
watched him keenly and did not fire.
Devil Anse drove on nearly to tn
end of the block. Then Mccoy de
cided to enjoy some target-practice
Leaping to the middle of the street IN
whipped out two guns and began fiji
ing with both hands. Still Devil Ans
drove calmly on. not allowing hi
team to get out of brisk walk.
One bullet went through the top o
his hat, another smashed the back of
the wagon-seat, several more hit clos
around and beside him, but the oil,
sport, without turning his head
chewed savagely on his tobacco Gu,
and drove calmly on.
From doorways and windows man
observers witnessed the thrillin
scene.
The Mccoy laughed, enjoying tn
sport, and ran after the wagon Will
reloading his six.shooters. Again h
opened fire, and the second bullet hi
the ear OF one OF the mules. The an
nal bucked and let out frightene
squeal. This was too much for tb
leader OF the Hatfield clan. JeTkin
him team to a standstill, he turned &
his seat gun in hand, and yelled
stop that, ye reptile. or ven skee
my mules!" At the moment of hi
turning, the Mccoy had scurried I
cover.