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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi"

He had
distinctly felt the rush of air on his face as a bullet passed by. He was
seeking to see whence the shot had come and he thought he caught a glimpse
of a figure among the cypresses.
"No, Paul," he exclaimed, "that shot was aimed at me!"
He sprang over the wooden fence and was followed by Paul. They searched
diligently among the trees but found nothing. Then they looked at each
other, and each read the same opinion in the other's eyes.
"It was either Braxton Wyatt or somebody else in the service of Alvarez,"
said Henry.
"Yes," said Paul, nodding assent, "and I think that 'The Galleon' is a
much safer place for us at night than the City of New Orleans."
"That is true," said Henry, "and it is not worth while for us to make a
complaint about being shot at. We cannot prove anything, and New Orleans
is too turbulent a place to pay attention to a stray rifle or pistol shot
at night."
They were back at the boat in a few minutes. Shif'less Sol and Long Jim
still slept soundly, but Tom Ross was awake. They told him briefly what
had occurred, and Tom shook his head sagely.
"Better stay on the boat ez long ez we kin keep it," he said. "Ez fur me,
I'd rather be shot at by Injuns in the woods uv Kentucky than be hevin'
white men drawin' beads on me here in a town.


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