Читать книгу Life of Pat F. Garrett and the Taming of the Border Outlaw - John Milton Scanland - Страница 6
ОглавлениеCHAPTER IV.
GARRETT HAD A PRESENTIMENT OF HIS FATE.
This is one of the most noted tragedies in the history of the Southwest, celebrated for its many deeds of blood. It attracted general attention throughout the west, and great excitement in Dona Ana, Lincoln and adjoining sections where Garrett was personally known. He was personally known to more men in the Southwest than any other man in the country, and was known by reputation almost throughout the entire country as the slayer of the desperado, William H. Bonney, alias “Billy the Kid.” The news of his violent death was received with consternation, especially as it was known that he was ever on the alert against being surprised by the friends of outlaws whom he had brought to justice, or killed while resisting arrest. It was strange that he should be unprepared, or rather not on his guard, was the general remark, and many hinted at a plot. These hints broadened into what the friends of Garrett deemed well-grounded suspicions, when it was remembered that about a week before the tragedy, Garrett had informed Governor Curry, and other friends in El Paso, that he expected trouble from the very source whence it came. Strangely, and as if directed by Fate to his doom, he took no precautions to avoid what he saw was inevitable! There is something that guides us to our Destiny, even against our discretion and reason. And so it seems was the case of Patrick Garrett. On the morning of the day when he was to meet Brazel, his slayer, at the village of Las Cruces, to settle the matter of the lease of the ranch, which had for some time been a source of trouble, he dressed with unusual care! Was it a presentiment that he was preparing for the grave? He alone knew! His shotgun was loaded with bird shot—evidence that he did not expect to use his weapon—or, rather, it was contrary to his presentiment of impending danger. He knew, as all “gun men” know, that bird shot, even at very close range, is very seldom, if ever, instantly fatal. And, stranger still, that one with his experience, and skill with a gun, should, in a quarrel, permit his antagonist to “get the drop” on him. That he did not expect trouble at that moment is evidenced from the fact that his antagonist did “get the drop” on him, is the belief of all who knew Garrett, and his record warrants this belief. The sworn statement of Carl Adamson, the only living witness to the tragedy except Brazel, is also corroborative of this belief. This statement is that while arranging the harness Garrett got out of the buggy and that his back was partly turned from Barzel when the shot was fired. He further states that Garrett took his shotgun out of the buggy, and had threatened Brazel. Such men as Garrett do not make threats. They shoot first. Furthermore, had he made a threat, there was no use in getting out of the buggy to carry it into execution—he could have shot from where he sat. Besides, he would not have partly turned his back to his antagonist, after getting out of the buggy, with his gun, and making the threat—if such was the truth! His clothing being partly disarranged when the corpse was viewed by the conorer, shows that he got out of the buggy for another purpose; and, his back being partly turned from Brazel, is evidence that he did not expect trouble at that time, and had made no preparations for defense. That is how Brazel got the drop on him, is argued by his friends.
MYSTERY AND SUSPICION.
There is a mystery about this tragedy, and it may never come to light. Whether there was a plot is unknown; yet, suspicions are strong that there was. It is hinted by the friends of Garrett that astounding revelations will be made. The theory advanced for these revelations is that there was a plot to kill Garrett. Brazel claims that he did the shooting in self defense, that is, knowing Garrett’s record as a gun fighter, he did not desire to take any chances, and shot first. In getting out of the buggy, Garrett casually remarked: “I’ll get you off the ranch, anyway!” This meant, legally; though Brazel construed it as a threat, notwithstanding that Garrett made no demonstration with his gun—if he had his gun at the time, which is very doubtful. It is contrary to reason that any one should make a threat and make no preparations to defend himself, as in this case. Everything points to the contrary. What his suspicions were of impending trouble Garrett never communicated to any one—only that he expected there would be trouble, “and if he did not get them, they would get him!” This hinted at a league against him, or a plot. A few days before his violent death he visited El Paso and consulted a lawyer as to the means of cancelling the lease of his ranch to Brazel, who, he claimed, had violated that lease, and this legal method of removing him from the ranch is what Garrett meant when he got out of the buggy, during the heated controversy, and which Brazel understood, or pretended to understand, as a threat.
Brazel is a typical cowboy in appearance, and to emphasize it, wears a black broad-brimmed black hat, the crown pushed up high, and the hat pulled well over his ears. He is 31 years of age, and is unmarried. He states that he knew Garrett 20 years ago when Garrett lived in Lincoln county. He has a rudy complexion, sandy hair, rough features, is strongly built, and is smooth shaven. He has a scar reaching from the right corner of his mouth down over his chin, evidently a wound from a knife. It is not known if he has a gun record.
