Front:
TheDEATH Brand
by Oren Arnold
Danger itself stalked cowboy Jess Hitson this July 4 in 1868. He
was riding alone, but when he saw a stray calf he dropped his loop on
it preparatory to branding. In a few minutes his iron was glowing in a
fire. Then without warning-ZIP!
An arrow streaked through his hat! He dropped instantly, reaching
for his guns, making a breastwork of the tied calf. Soon, however, he
saw that he would surely be slain, so between shots he did a little
branding anyway. Jess Hitson was never seen again, and he doubt-
less died within the hour.
RD
STORIETES
ES
How do we know all this? Because,
three years after Hitson disappeared, a
full grown steer was rounded up in that
vicinity, and on its side was this burned
report:
స్తిశ్య
7-4-68 INDIANS
HOT AS HELL
J H
(OVER)
Dramatic TRUE Stories
from the GREAT WEST
No. 2
e E. S. co.
38 H1685
Back:
THE DEATH BRAND (Concluded)
It was cowboy nature to make his report
to the boss in spite of savage Indians, and it
was cowboy character also to comment on
the weather.
Adapted from the book HOT IRONS (Macmillan)
by Oren Arnold and John P. Hale.
COPYRIGHTED BY LOLLESGARD SPECIALTY CO.. TUCSON, ARIZONA
