The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-22
< By TEX RICHARD

rights rsservsd).
 By TEX RICHARD
 There was . constantly discussed re- port in our section that Jesse James. the leader of the gang, had never taken off his gun belt since he first Joined the guerillas under Quantrell. He had even learned to sleep, 1t was said, so that if awakened in the night, his hand would be on/the grip of his. gun as his me than John L. Sullivan'sswould have.
 It Is needless to say that we little boys regarded Jesse James as great hero. I guess most boys-did. I had a big Advantage, though, fn that played with Bob Palmer the little son of Mrs. Allen Palmer Our yards were just acress the street from each other.
 Little Bob had assured me that the report of his uncle never taking off the belt was correct. He had peeked through the keyhole to watch him go to
 On ode occasion, ws' were told tand we believed0, . man found yesse's hid ing place and sneaked up to the door; which he found unlocked. A ray of moonlight flashed on the blue steel of his gun as he drew 1t so shoot the out law sleeping. Before he could pull the trigger there was a flashs from Jesse's bed. The first bullet shot the gun from his mans hand and the next went through his heart. In ten minutes. Jesse town. tksts
 The virtues of Jesse James were open ly extolled in our town. There was much sympathy for him, many people believing that he had been wronged 7 and forced into his banditry. He made ; point Of never raidfng in Texas, When he stopped at a farm house OF ranch he always gave the woman a twerty-doilar gold piece, and paid well for everything he got. These people would not only hide him, but would trail.
 [ remember his virtues 'is being point ed out one time in a gang of cattle men. Like all little boys listened. sThe James gang had just held up and robbed a train. In going through the passenger coach one of the bandits had found a jug of corn whisky. He called the attention of the others to it, yelp- ing in glee. leader. W
 Randit As a Temperance Leader
 With that he fired a forty-four bull scattering whisky all over. The busi- ness of holding up the+frightened pas sengers then proceededs the fumes of whisky filling the car. s ie.zssy ..-
 IT you want to drink, do 1t when tell you," Jesse told the man. But never let drop of whisky pass your lips during business hours!"
 That story went the rounds, the idea being to impress upon folks how Jesse James was pointing out the evils of drinking.
 As I have said, my eyes were riyeted on his belt that night. Yes, there it was, even while. he kissed his sister.
 The first time Jesse James removed that belt he was killed.
 With several of the gang, including Bob Ford, he had gone sto his other sisters home in. Missouri { Feeling par tieularly good, Jesse had offered to help his sister fix up the house. They were all in the dining room, Bob Ford sitting at the table. A picture on the wall was notfright.'
 "Wait. I'll straighten it," said Jesse. The outlaw got on a chair to hang the picture. He found his belt in the way. Forgetting for once, he undid the buckle and laid the belt with the pistols in it, on the table.
 Then he reached up with both hands to hang the picture. It was the first time anybody ever had seen Jesse James with his hands up. Bob Ford, caught the idea in a., flash. Reaching for Jesse's belt he pulled one of the six-shooters and shot bis leader dead.
 A big reward had been offered for Jesse James dead or alive. Ford thought of that reward, Though he