FIGHTING COWBOYS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 65, 12 March 1912, Page 3

FIGHTING COWBOYS.

BATTLE OX A TEXAS RANCH. .(“Sydney Sun” Cable.) New York, February 29. The cowboys at the Sierra Blanca ranch, near Marfa, Texas, have beaten off the Mexican rebels, after a hot fight. Five of them were in the ranch, with five friendly Mexicans; and the attacking party numbered 50. The original attack of the rebels was made when the cowboys were in the cattle yard. In the first exchange of shots, one of the Texans was wounded in the arm, and two of the steers were killed. The attempt to rush the cowboys failed. They gained safety, half the party firing at the enemy from behind the dead r.t.ors. while the other m.h c.d to v~ranch. During the whole of Tuesday the fight went on. The rebels several times attempted to raid the cattle yard, but were always beaten back by the vigorous fire of those in the ranch. Many of the assailants fell, but it is not known whether any were killed. ’ 1 1 j L«L After those attempts hail been baffled, tlhe Mexicans (invested the ranch and kept ,up a sharp fire whenever a cowboy showed himself. The cowboys loopholed the walls,, and com - manded all the approaches to the ranch. They had abundance of provisions and ammunition, but ran short of water. Two,of them, with a Mexican, made a bold sortie at about noon and secured a plentiful supply. Not out of them was hurt, though bullets kicked the dust out of the ground all round them. News of the rebel hold-up came to Marfa, and from that town a strong force of cowboys well mounted and well armed, galloped out to bring relief. They were led by Sheriff Abner D. Broughton, who gained fame six months ago by capturing two horse thieves at the San Juan ranch. Broughton ordered a charge on the Mexicans when the Sierra Blanca, was reached. The collision was very brief, tor r.s soon as the rebels realised that a fresh force had arrived they mounted their horses hastily and fled. The Americans on the besieged ranch speak with the highest praise of the courage and fidelity of the five Mexicans who were with them.