Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1919-03-13

StCRnf AhC hluclliOuo ACl0CA
appeared in the doorway. Bully Hack
ett's visage wds one Of those Of which
the worst dreams are made. While II
was rendered somewhat vacant by the
absence of his nose, one Of his eyes,
and the major portion Of his upper lip
unwilling sacrifices to the god Of war
his expression lost nom Of its ferocl-
ty on that account. and his shaggy
hair and beard gave him a look that
was scarcely human.
Mr.. Hackett had been engaged on
a private foraging expedition, and
knew nothing Of the happenings within
the saloon, nor saw the brakeman, as
he came toward the bar.
"Wot's the matter7" he inquired saw
agely. didn't ye see that freight pull
int"
By way of attracting his attention,
Brown struck him smartly on the part
of his face formerly occupied by his
nose.
"Yes, an she'll lay there till she rots,
if she waits fer you to take her out.
By the time 1 git through with you,
you'll be ready to crawl in your hole"
said the brakeman. He had seen the
train crew gathered In the shadows
outside the door and 0 had little to
fear from the other hOboes.
Better take off your coat, ecaus
I'm not a-goin' to knock you out. I'll
make you quit like a dog, so the rest
of these gents'll see what you are"
stated Brown, removing his WI outer
garment.
Hackett waited not for further adj
vice, but dashed out SO viciously with
his right arm that Brown was taken
unawares, and, had it not been for the
bar at his back, he would have gone
: down ANONYMOUSLY. Even SO, he was
in an evil plight, for the tramp, seeing
his opportunity, rushed in, raining
blows on the face and body of his op-
) ponent.
Then, indeed, did it seem that the
f brakeman had been ~overcOnfdent in
: his boasting. The other hoboes shout
e ed encouragement to their champion,
and the train crew were only restrain
ed from joining in the fight by the con-
d ductor, who continued to voice his be-
lief in Browns prowess.
Veteran of a hundred battles
d Browns first move was to stop the
failing arms. This he did by the sim
e pie expedient of twining his own about
them. Gradually, with the apparen'
n sinuosity of a boa constructor, h
ye wrapped his limbs about those of thu
n other, and for a moment lifted his owl
Is feet clear of the floor, making Hacket
1t support the weight of both thei
1T bodies. Then, unmindful of his strug
giles, Brown as carefully freed himself
le sending the hobo backward with
solid jolt on the spot where his frs
C. blow had landed.
Brown was intent on proving a the
n, DRY that he had long held, namely, the
a man, though inwardly a coward, ma
fight with seeming bravery so long 8
as the blows of his adversary have NJ
the appearance Of being well judge
le. or aimed with accuracy; but that
IL succession Of blows, however light, 0
a sensitive spot will make him quit
re he has the least vestige Of a yello
ee streak.
ey During athe next few minutes, S
/ fercely did Hackett assail him that tt
he brakeman was almost entirely on Il
he defensive. More than once he felt Il
a impact of the tramp's horny fist on b
or face, but he still held to his purpos
When the opening offered, his har
op flashed out, striking with invariab
to precision the spot he had selected Fl
his attack.
M Hackett manifested his displeasu
he at this mode of warfare, evident
as thinking that Brown acted dishonc
no. ably in profiting by the absence of b
ost nasal feature.
a For a long time they fought, Meth
di- gaining the advantage. Brown W
bleeding freely from the mouth, al
set one eye was fast swelling shut; b
Ugh his antagonist was also badly bruise
the remnant of his nose being qui
lin raw. OF the two, Hackett seemed t
thy more fatigued. Excessive drink
but had made him short-winded, and
hat breathed heavily. The brakeman NJ
ant began to force the fighting, striki
'or- more often in the same spot. Hack
gave ground and once he glanced ba'
fer as If seeking a way Of escape.
stand up an fight, why don't you
ing painted Brown. you claim to be I
ips. champeen bo. Well, / amt 40 kind
nix, a champeen, an here you're tryin'
his quit before l git warmed up. WI
n a kind Of fightin' do you call that? Co
rik- on an mix it q little"
ass, But Hackett had had enough. |
ling spirit was gone, and he skunk back il
the crowd, w%himpering.
the "Stop i'm, boys; stop 'im,' he pie
'hty cd. MY heavens, my mugs broke
ling l can't fight no more"
ow- "You don't need to be scared.
wed satisfied" answered Brown. II KIN
Iuid you was a gutter the minute ! 81
He'd you, an | wanted to show you Up,
you couldn't lead these dubs into
ted, more deviltry. Whatll we do with Z
the JlmT" he asked, turning to the c
rop- ductor.
al- GaTha bae4 4h{pg will ha kn iook