The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1845-06-21

4 Carllst chletialns lie Stood alone with
mis- arms folded, and was apparently ina
state Of abstraction,
The drum was beat---ihe quarter of
IN hour had elapsed: the soldiers began
again 10, separate the men from the wo-
men. In The confusion, the lido, boy
crept up 10 The gipsy, and reused him
from his reverie by saying 10 a half.
whisper, 'Ho, Senor Gllano! stand last
on the line, and you are safe.'
The stranger looked intently for an
instant at the lad, who rubbed the palms
Of his hands together, and glanced con
hdently towards the extremity Of
'he line OF men now almost formed.
Ihe gypsy cohtriyed 10 place himself the
asst,
Silence having been commanded and
obtained Nina said, This is the last mo-
men, confession or decimation.' No
answer, no sign.
Sergeant, do your duty said the gen.
pral.
Immediately non-commissioned
officer began counting along the line.
On arriving at the tenth man, he was
made TO stand forth. The sergeant
hen went on reckoning in like manner
Four more were thus selected. The
'ergeant recommended counting. There
we're but nine left the gypsy being the
ninth. The rank was closed up again
md five men were left Standing about
yard in front of the others. An officer
aud eight soldiers now marched into
he centre TO the plaza; aud The vilager
this mou:nful selection, was led TO the
general, who thus addressed him;
Reveal the hiding place, and you are
safe. l should rejoice if your fe could
ne spared
i Senior, replied the prisoner, a foe
young man, know il not
Nina rode to the front of the line
If villagers and SAID, 'Will any of you
confess, and save this youth1'
'The mortars did not pass through the
village, on their return said the men.
? Nina then rode TO the rear, and ques-
! toned the women.
General, general they all shreked
together. 1--WE know nothing of the NOR
,ars. Spare him, spare him, be merci-
, fuI, for the love Of God!'
This reply--ihis appeal for mercy
he'd scarcely been sent forth, ere
Young and beautiful woman rushed from
I he group, and falling on her knees be-
! fore NJ ina, exclaimed in imploring sc-
cents, Spare, oh spare my brother!
He was all yesterday in the mountains
cutting wood, and did not return till af-
er nighlfall.'
y There is no remedy replied Nina,
unless the secret be disclosed
Five minutes after Mina's return to
the spot where his staff were assembled
J lhe young man was led 10 the wall of a
= house fronting tbs plaza; his arms were
pinoned, and handkerchief was tied
over his face. He was then shot dead
by four soldiers; who all shot al one at
The same instant. Three more shared
a similar fate, after every eneeavor TO
induce Them or the other villagers 10
give information concerning the NOR
ls,s. They all met their fate with
e heroic calmness and dignity. The fifth
d was an old man. His anxious eyes had
r followed each of his fellow cap,Ives 10
the death station. His own turn was
= now at hand. There lay the bleeding
corpse Of his young companions, and
hs was INTERCEPTED as they had been
: previously TO their execution. Il cali
8 God 10 wllness,' cried The aged man,
shat | know nothing Of the matter. |
h confess TO having been present when the
n mortars passed through on their way
10 Elizondo, but l was not here when
they were brought back
otis true, It's ,rue,' shouted The peo-
ple, forgetting, in the fearful excilem n,
s Of The moment, that they were condemn
II ng themselves by this declaration.
e Then save his life by confessing,
e answered Nina.
e I'VE have nought 10 con less; Frsnci.
le 60 is innoceni,' was The universal reply
l.