eceding train, that
was soon out of sight.

Fortunately the country was not new to me, and skipping over a
fence, I avoided La Grange, and soon reached the Lexington Junction,
some distance above.

"Have you heard the news?" said a switchman.

"No. What is it?"

"The Owen County boys have just killed some gamblers a short distance
below La Grange."

"Glad of it," was all the response he got. Meantime I walked in
towards Lexington.

At the first station I boarded a train for Lexington, put up at
the hotel for a couple of days, and there revived an acquaintance
with Clem Payne, clerk of the hotel, whom I had known twenty years
or so ago at Kansas City.

One morning I was called for the early train for Louisville, and
while waiting for breakfast I made the acquaintance of a large fat
man, who was going on a stage journey afar back in the country.

We got into conversation (I was always partial to conversation with
strangers), and it was not long before I showed him the big three.

He became intensely interested, and in a few moments I had his
twelve fifty-dollar bills.

I did not deem it advisable to wait for breakfast, but, paying my
bill, jumped into a hack and drove to the first station in time to
make the train.

Before La Grange was reached, I entered the baggage-car and told
the baggage-master to pile the trunks all around me. I was thus
completely hid, as snug as a bug in a rug.

When La Grange was reached, there were signs of tumult about. Five
of the Owen County gang were at the depot, and they boarded every
train, and had been doing it for two days.

A newsboy gave me away, and told them where I was secreted. They
all then remained on board and kept a regular watch over me until
Louisville was reached.

The train moves slowly through the city. I quietly slipped off;
not quick enough, however, for one of them espied me, and, pulling
his revolver, shot--not me, but himself.

His companions all ran.

He lay upon the ground bellowing like a calf, and said I had shot
him.

The police arrested me.

Mr. Shadburne was the Chief of Police. I related to him the true
facts of the case.

"Release that man," he said. "I will be responsible for his
appearance in the morning."

Morning came, and the Owen County deputation were early at the
court-house with a lawyer.

They wanted to compromise for $500.

"No, sir, not for a cent."

They dropped to $100. The lawyer wanted $50. I gave t