at Bill Bates’ ranch in Bear Valley, where they…
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

at Bill Bates’ ranch in Bear Valley, where they now directed their course as quickly as possible. On the way thither the house of Dick Hall was passed; they had just got by when Mrs. Hall rode rapidly along the trail from the house out- stripping those who attempted to catch or detain her. Capt. French of the W. S. ranch at Alma who was like most honest men in the community lending his aid in the business at hand, gave chase and commanded her to halt, but she con- tinued on her way, as the captain expressed it “the devil wouldn’t stop her, you know.” The horses of the ranchers who had been traveling the entire night were fagged and Mrs. Hall reached Bates’ ranch far enough in advance to give the alarm, crying out mob, mob, they are killing every one in the valley. Peter Hall, Jr., Steve Kemp, Riley and Jo Witt, brother of the one first arrested, saddled their horses and started from the house as the party of officers came in sight. Now came a race such as is never seen anywhere but in the far west; each man with his pistol, shotgun or rifle in hand, rode a mad race ; the pursuers to intercept, the pursued to escape. You might bet your money freely that the best horses and riders would win, no throwing the race here.

such as is never seen anywhere but in the far west; each man with his pistol, shotgun or rifle in hand, rode a mad race ; the pursuers to intercept, the pursued to escape. You might bet your money freely that the best horses and riders would win, no throwing the race here. This continued for two miles without perceptible gain on either side, until Steve Kemp’s horse fell, the pistol which Kemp held in his hand cocked and ready to turn upon his pursuers, was discharged, the bullet entering his horse’s brain. He imme- diately mounted behind Riley and the chase continued for half a mile farther, the sheriff’s posse gaining some ground. Here Steve Kemp called to Deputy Sheriff Johnson and J. D. Birch that they wanted a parley which was granted. Kemp informed the officer that his posse had to fight as they would not surrender, but upon being told that they only had a warrant for one of the party, Peter Hall, Jr., he was turned over and the chase ceased. Another young lady in Pine Cienega exhibited her skill as a rider that night. Miss Lulu Jackson rode from Dick Hall’s ranch to Dan Neil’s at the head of the Cienega, distancing her competitors. She went to give the alarm but Neil had already flown, having been forewarned.