with updates on Short's condition, were published in newspapers in several states. A paper in Hutchinson, Kansas, observed, "his wounds are enough to kill a common man, but Luke may get well." Short remained bedridden for months. In 1891, a Chicago newspaper published a lengthy profile of Short. When discussing the gunfight with Wright, the paper reported: "It was supposed at the time that Short was fatally wounded, and his recovery was wholly due to the careful nursing of his wife, who for three months hardly left his bed side." Both Short and Wright were indicted and charged with assault with intent to murder. Both men made bonds without trouble in the sum of $1,000. The trial date was changed more than once, and a final decision was not reached until March1, 1892. Nearly killing a man by mistake in Chicago While awaiting his trial date, Short was free to come and go as he pleased. He was feeling well enough by May21, 1891, to board a train for Chicago with Johnson, accompanied by his wife. The racing season was about to begin, and Johnson and Short both owned a string of horses that would be running at Washington Park Race Track in Chicago. Short was accosted in the lobby of the Leland Hotel by a drunken attorney named JamesJ. Singleton during late October 1891. According to the report, Short did not have his pistol, but managed to give Singleton a few kicks, which knocked him down, and then Short picked him up, and pushed him out "into the frosty night air." Short went upstairs for his gun in case Singleton decided to return. While Short was gone, an actor named WilliamF. Hoey (1854–1897) walked into the hotel lobby. The actor turned out to resemble closely the lawyer Short had just kicked out. Short saw Hoey, thought he was Singleton, and charged at him with his pistol. A quick-thinking hotel clerk named Ed Kennedy jumped between the two men and prevented a homicide. When Short realized his mistake, he apologized to the actor and treated him to drinks and a late supper. Guilty of assault On March1, 1892, a decision was reached in the Statev Luke Short. Short was found guilty of aggravated assault against Charles Wright, and a fine of $150 was assessed against him. Final days Bright's disease By the start of 1893, something apparently was seriously wrong