Since I have at least 1 fan, I'll go on.
My last Ride!! If memory is correct this was the last time I was on a horse.
I was night cop in Tombstone AZ. All Graveyard for about 2 years. $325. A month, & 6 days a week. When offered the job I turned it down & said I was going fishing. Went to dads place on Blue River.
When I got back to Tombstone, Granddad said well Bud you got a job, " your the new night cop." So now I am a cop, not tests, & no instructions. Suggested I read the law book in the office.
Cop car was dog, small Ford that the chief idled around in all day, could not get it over 89 mph, even after I tuned it up. Got chewed out for
Waiting $$".
Radio that filled most of the trunk that barely worked. Only place to talk to was the county sheriff's in Bisbee. 1 Night I got a call that an armed robber in a stolen car was coming my way. On the way out to to set up a road block, there was a big ole Kid walking home. Told him what was up & if would like to come along. Armed him with a lever action 30-40 Craig rifle. Parked the car across the highway. No bilking lights in those days, used my hand to make it blink. Had the kid stand behind me and a little to my right, with the instructions. "If I shoot - You shoot."
Robber drove into the bar pit, & I think was shooting at us. I shot, the kid shot, ( dam near blew me off the ground. ) My mistake was using all my shots & needing to reload, when he swerved off the road & bailed out. ( Later on counted 11 holes in the car. Felt kind of sorry the owner. ) Some help arrived shortly after this. Robber had jumped a barb wire fence, tore his pants & lost the money.
Took the kid back to town & went & got me a horse. I did see some tracks going under the hwy but though they were one of people searching for the crook. Knew that if it was me, where I would go. Checked that place out & a couple of others. Nothing, tired, go home to bed.
He was the 1 that had gone under the hwy, went to a house on the edge of town, stole cloths off the cloth line, then hiked about 10 miles to a remote ranch house. There he stole a jeep & headed for Bisbee. He ran into a road block, when ask where he was going said " I work for the rancher & he sent to town to get some supplies.
Small mistake, 1 of the deputes on the road block owned the jeep.
At that time I carried a 44/40 single action revolver, not much good when shooting through metal. better penetration an the crook would have lost a kidney or worse. 1 Of the rifle slugs must have gone by his ear & into the dash of the auto.
I think this was the last time I rode a horse.
More later if interested.
Jim
