Beadle's Frontier Series #25: Indian Jim—A Tale of the Minnesota Massacre — page 67: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE ARTIST'S ENCOUNTER. - #§=§ @. so as.to shelter his body from another stray bullet. He had ‘noted the direction from which the missile came, and, of course, took care that he should be upon the right side of the tree. Fialleck’s great apprehension was, that there might be several enemies to encounter, in which case, he stood an exceedingly slight chance with them. To his gratification : however, he caught sight of only a single dusky figure—that tof the savage who had discharged the gun at him. } “You impudent vagabond,” muttered the artist, drawing his gun to. his shoulder, “Jet me teach you manners.” The Indian caught sight of the rifie-barrel, and whisked behind a tree at the very moment it was discharged, thus faving himself by about as narrow a chance as generally falis to the lot of mortals. ‘Without waiting to note the effect of his shot, Halleck reloaded his rifle with all rapidity, so as to be ready tor any emergency. He was ramming the charge “home,” when a triumphant yell broke upon his ear, and he saw the savage approaching him with a bounding exultant step, as if sure of his prey. Quick as thought, the artist raised his piece and pointed it at him, the ramrod projecting several inches from the muzzle. He had not yet placed the cap upon it, so that it was really useless; but as his assailant could not be positive that such was the case, he evidently concluded it best to make his safety sure, hy ducking behind a second tree. Taking advantage of this momentary respite, Halleck finished loading his gun, placed the cap upon the tube, and composedly awaited the action of his assailant. By this time, he bad become satisfied that he had but one foe to contend — agaist, and he rather enjoyed this contest, where, in every s 4ee, both stood upon equal grounds. As ‘oth svere now behind cover, the matter had simply become a triat of strategy. He, who was skillful enough to keep his person protected, and to gain a shot at his opponent, most evidently would be the winner. Both being sensible of this, exerted themselves to the utmost to catch the other of, guard. There is a little story that all of us have heard, about 9 man, who. when caught in such a dilemma as the artiet, EOPMICL OOO <Sse