Attempt to Murder Ben in Babylon—He Shoots a Man and is Arrested—Frightens the Witnesses and Prevents Perjury—Is Acquitted.
In the woods about Babylon were bands of thieves, who lived by plundering the strangers that came within their power. Wild, desperate men were these, who held human life of no greater account than so much earth. Ben’s place was frequented by these desperadoes, who were bent upon murder, or anything else, for the sake of plunder. They found in Hogan, however, a man who didn’t know the meaning of fear, and who was determined to hold his own against any odds. He gave them to understand that the first outrage committed upon any patron of his house would be avenged with interest.
“Understand, gentlemen,” he said, “I will shoot down the first man who undertakes to murder anybody coming out of this place!”
Finding the sort of man they had to deal with, the ruffians banded together for the purpose of killing Hogan. Lots were drawn to see who should perform this work, and the choice fell upon a fellow known as “Scotty,” and one Burke.
Waiting until midnight, the assassins entered the bar-room of Hogan’s place. There was nobody present but Ben himself and the barkeeper. The moment his eye fell upon the men, Ben suspected mischief, and drawing out two seven-shooters, he said quickly:
HOGAN PLEADING HIS OWN CASE IN TIDIOUTE.
“Gentlemen, you will oblige me by retiring at once. Go out, if you please, as you came in; and the first one who attempts to turn about or to draw a weapon will drop!”
This unexpected greeting knocked the plans of the conspirators into a cocked hat. There was nothing to do but to obey, and so they backed out of the room, looking very much crestfallen.
The next night Ben heard a loud knocking at the door, and as he went down to answer the summons, he heard low voices outside.