The holdup of the Sandy Bob stage line gives Earp an opportunity to trick the two factions of the Clanton gang into fighting each other. The stage was held up with two men killed and $80,000 in silver bullion on board. Earp and his deputies catch one of the men who states that Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius ordered the holdup without the knowledge of the Clantons or McLowerys. Earp with Virgil talks to Ike and Billy Clanton about the holdup implicating Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius while Doc Holliday tells Johnny and Curly that the Clantons and McLowerys want their share of the $80,000. The hope is that the two sides will turn on each other. Ike Clanton decides to inform on the location of the men who pulled the robbery for the $2,000 reward per man and to get even with Johnny and Curly. Earp acts on the information but a boy at the telegraph office reading a telegram to Earp tells Johnny and Curly. The pair warn the holdup men foiling Earp's trick and setting up a show down between the gang and the law.
—Anonymous