Fight With an Outlaw.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 212, 23 July 1887, Page 2

Fight With an Outlaw.

The latest news with reference to the capture of the outlaw Hughes (wanted for murder), near Fremantle, shows that a desperate fight ensued between the fugitive and his pursuers. The latter consisted of a black tracker and several constables. The tracker led the way to the outlaw's lair. The approach was made silently, and Hughes was very nearly surprised. But he was on the alert, and his fiieanns were ready. The moment that he perceived his enemies he fired on them. It is alleged that he managed to discharge thirteen shots from i ifle and revolver before he commenced to flee. The rapidity of his fii ing is supposed to have frustrated his deadly intentions. The tracker and one constable, however, were wounded. A thin sapling in front of another constable was hit four times by the bullets of the desperado. The officers were then so close that they could ha-\ c shot Hughes dead with their revolvers. But their instructions were that, if possible, he should be taken alive,and they refrained even under such provocation as his fire, from administering the fatal blow. Having discharged all the firearms to his hand, seeing that his bullets had not reached the intended billets and realising the danger of the position, Hughes turned to flee. His last possible chance of escape was to get into the scrub that abounds in the locality. He dashed into the undergrowth, and, in afranticendeavour to combine despatch with concealment, made from the spot. But the police were close upon him. A very hot chase ensued. The officers, remembering their instructions, withheld their fire until the necessity of bringing the fugitive down became too apparent to be neglected. Seeing that if not lamed the outlaws would escape, Constable Gee fired. The bullet entered Hughes's thigh, and this rendered further flight impossible. He dropped helpless, ■and was speedily in the hands of his pursuers. It is understood that the wound inflicted upon Hughes is not dangerous. The news of his capture, with its sensational details, has caused great excitement both in Perth and in Freemantle.