The Argus at KellyGang 5/3/1879 (6)

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(full text transcription)

see previous

Bushranging continued

At last Keys fired and hit him in the left arm. The wound does not appear to have been very serious, but it caused Shepherd to drop the muzzle of his gun, and the shot not being properly wadded, rolled out. He then quitted the shelter of the tent and got behind a hut, where Pearson, the other station hand we have named, came to him armed with a musket and a sword. Instead of assisting his overseer, he merely requested him not to fire. On being asked why not he had nothing to say, but went away to the other corner of the hut only returning presently to prefer the same request. Here, again, was pretty clear proof of treachery, but Shepherd, although wounded, did not lose heart. He saw Keys levelling at him, he could see his left eye between the hammers of the gun. Although he thought there was nothing but powder in his remaining barrel he instinctively took aim and fired. Luckily one or two shots remained in the charge which struck his opponent in the eye, and although he (Keys) immediately returned the fire, his aim was wild, and no harm was done. Shepherd then made sure of his man. He called out- "Now, I have you," and commenced walking towards him. Keys levelled his gun again, but simply saying, "It s no go Joe, there is nothing in them,"

Shepherd seized hold of the barrels and was about to close with the ruffian, when Boyd, who it will be remembered was left in charge of the honest Ball, appeared again upon the scene, and snatching Pearson's musket from him, shot poor Shepherd through the head. The ball went in over his left eye, and carne out behind his ear. He naturally felt stunned, and laid hold of a cart wheel to support him self. Recovering a little he made a rush for the hut of Mr Catterall, whom he reproached for his inactivity Mr Catterall had evidently no taste for powder. "Good God, Catterall, said the wounded man bitterly, here have I been fighting and got shot all to pieces and you never came near to see what's the matter." "What could I do?" was the only answer he got....

However, there was no time for conversation. In a very short time Boyd, Keys, and Ball were after him, the two former loading as they carne along. Faint, bleeding, and unarmed, Shepherd's first impulse was to hide himself from the bloodthirsty rascals, who would be satisfied with nothing short of his life, so he ran into the hut and stood behind the door of one of rooms. But the impulse to seek safety in retreat only had momentary ascendancy. Keys and Boyd came into the passage together, and not knowing where he had taken refuge, stood for a minute irresolute what to do, with their guns ready for action. In a moment Shepherd was out of his hiding place and had hold of the muzzles of the guns. But no amount of bravery can supply the lack of physical strength in such an encounter. His wounded arm was partially paralysed, and he had to let go. The ruffians then dragged their victim towards the door, and struck him behind the ear a blow which felled him like a bullock. They then placed a gun against his body and fired.

continued

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