So he was as near as that! "The medicine-woman said that the mask requested her to prepare poison for him that would be sure to kill.

She said she would not as she had no wish to fall again into the hands of the county authorities.

He promised her money, he showed her a lot of ducats.

She told him it wouldn't do.
Then he drew forth a pistol, pressed the barrel to her temples, and threatened instantly to blow her brains out if she did not comply with his request.

'Very well,' said she, 'fire away: I would rather be shot than hanged.' Perceiving he could do nothing with her by threats, he fell to entreating, and said it was not a man he wanted to poison but a wild beast.