Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1883 — BLOODY AFFRAY. [ARTICLE]

BLOODY AFFRAY.

,A Terrible I’iglit in the .Dark Between Drunken Herders. „„ . [Denver Telegram.] The details of a bloody affray which 00enrred at Me! ain ranch, Elbert County, Sunday night, in which eight cowboys were engaged, have just reached the city. Sunday afternoon all went to Agate Station, on the Kansas Pacific road, and falling in with companions opened*festivities by taking seveial drinks. Thence they rode to a neighboring ranch where they 1 obtained a sup ply of liquor, and started tor home. On the w.ay two, named Rossiter and McKever, engaged in an angry-dispute about a trivial matter, and all repaired to the herder’s quarters to settie the difficulty. As soon as they got inside the men clinched. Both fell to'the ground flighting desperately, their companions’ urging them on. Table's and benches were removed, and in the ring, improvised the mon beat and tore e.’.ch other wish the ferocity of tigers. The on-lookers in t e excitement madly howled and danced about, brandishing revolvers and encouraging their favorite in the fight It was a blood-curdling sight While the orgie at the highest the oillain p was knocked from its place. The room was in darkness. M n ran upon each other, and in a minuta after the light had been extinguished the melee was general. The door was locked, and there being no means of egress each man was for himself. Amid lesounding blows and curses a pistol-shot rang out, and the death-cry of the victim paralyzed whatever of reason was left'm the party. Almost before the cry left the lips of the unfortunate man there was a wiki fusilade. in a moment, when by fitful bashes theglootn was lifted, there was a bloody scene. Rossiter was dead. The two Jones'were iveltering in their blood. Three others were wounded, some fatally. He Ilins and McKeever were the - onlr-ones : not injured. They tied, and have not yet been apprehended.