262 OBSERVATIONS OF A RANCHWOMAN 



both men went out to dinner one day, leaving 

 him alone. True, he was in irons, but that 

 was a mere circumstance to Billy the Kid. 

 Unobserved by his gaolers, he had long ere 

 this succeeded in filing though how he 

 obtained his tools no one knew the fetters 

 confining hands and feet ; most likely he had 

 no tools at all, but only pieces of old iron, 

 picked up and worked with as opportunity 

 served. It was now but a matter of a few 

 minutes before he was free. He then took 

 the loaded gun of one of the Sheriffs from a 

 corner, and awaited results. Sheriff No. i, 

 unlocking the door, found himself covered 

 by the weapon in the hands of his prisoner, 

 and forced to open to him the room in which 

 the firearms were kept. 



His submission, however, availed him 

 nothing. Billy speedily made an end of 

 him, and proceeded to help himself to a 

 couple of superb pistols and a fine Win- 

 chester. Perceiving Sheriff No. 2 crossing 

 the yard, he threw up the window and 

 shot him dead. Then he ran downstairs, 

 and holding off a small crowd, chierly com- 



