I've been mighty nigh all over three counties in Illinois." Slade's seemed to have been a wonderful nerve, for he drove stage through the wildest part of the road and shot down the road agents on sight. It was something different. Heretofore at the sight of desperadoes, the drivers would whip their horses into a fury of getting away, but now Slade would simply slow down and the first man within range would "get his." When H. M. Inghram was hired by Slade, he was asked if he could drive, which of course "I tank" could do, and Slade said: "Well, damn ye. drive then, and if you don't, I'll kill ye." and [nghram drove on the route between North Platte and Denver.

Apparently he was satisfied with Inghram for after a few trips he gave him a sawed off double barrelled shotgun loaded with buckshot, and a position as guard, with instructions to "shoot to get 'em."

Slide would always take any advantage that cunning quick action or a quick wit would give, and on one occasion when the gentleman with whom he had had a dispute appeared to he the nimblest artist, Slade quickly said that

it was useless for life to be wasted over such a small matter, and proposed that they throw their guns on the ground and fight it out with their fists. The other party agreed and threw his gun down, whereupon Slade laughed at his simplicity, and shot him on the spot.

Such conduct made him both hated and feared.