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During the weeks
following the Kid's escape, I was censured
by some for my seeming unconcern and inactivity in the matter of his
re-arrest. I was egotistical enough to think I knew my own business best,
and preferred to accomplish this duty, if possible at all, in my own way.
I was constantly, but quietly, at work, seeking sure information and
maturing my plans of action. I did not lay about the
Kid's
old haunts, nor disclose my intentions and operations to any one. I stayed
at home, most of the time, and busied myself about the ranch. If my
seeming unconcern deceived the people and gave the
Kid
confidence in his security, my end was accomplished. It was my belief that
the
Kid
was still in the country and haunted the vicinity of
Fort
Sumner;
yet there was some doubt mingled with my belief. He was never taken for a
fool, but was credited with the possession of extraordinary forethought
and cool judgment, for one of his age. It seemed incredible that, in his
situation, with the extreme penalty of law, the reward of detection, and
the way of successful flight and safety open to him -- with no known tie
to bind him to that dangerous locality -- it seemed incredible that he
should linger in the Territory. My first task was to solve my doubts.
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Billy the Kid
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Early in July, I received a reply from a letter I had written to
Mr. Brazel.
I was at Lincoln when this letter came to me.
Mr. Brazel
was dodging and hiding from the
Kid.
He feared his vengeance on account of the part which he,
Brazel,
had taken in his capture. There were many others who "trembled in
their boots" at the knowledge of his escape; but most of them talked
him out of his resentment, or conciliated him in some manner.
Brazel's
letter gave me no positive information. He said he had not seen the
Kid
since his escape, but, from many indications, believed he was still in
the country. He offered me any assistance in his power to recapture
him. I again wrote to
Brazel,
requesting him to meet me at the mouth of Tayban Arroyo an hour after
dark on the night of the 13th day of July.
A gentleman named
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