The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-02-14

held aside the moss covered branches which
swept the ground, and formed complete
curtain round the tree. The party rode
through the opening thus made, and drew
up in circle beneath the huge leafy dome.
In the centre of this ring stood Bob, trembl-
ing like an aspen-leaf and with his eyes fixed
on n small mound of fresh earth, partly con-
ceaed by the branches, and which had escap-
ed my notice on my former visit to the tree.
II was the grave of the murdered man.
A magnificent burial place was that; no
poet could have drealnpt or desired n better.
Above, the huge vault, with its natural fret
tings and arches; below, the greenest, fresh
est grass; around, an eternal half light streak
ed and varied, and radiant as rainbow. 1t
was imposingly beautiful.
Bob the Judge, and the corregidors, remain-
ed sitting OH their horses, but several of the
Otner men dismounted. One of the latter
cut the lasso from Bob's saddle, and threw an
end oft over one of the lowermost branches;
then uniting tie two ends, formed them into
slrOuS moose, which he left dangling from
Ihe 5ough. This simple preparation COM
rletcd, the Acalde took ofhis hat aud folded
his hands. The others followed his exam
pie.
'Bobp said the Judge 10 the unfortunate
criminal, whose head was bowed on the hor-
SEES main; Bob! we will pray for your poor
SphI' WHICH IL dbvuN W pau hpii N'N' Slhlhi
body
Bob raised his head. Il had something to
say exclaimed he, in a wondering and husky
tone. Something wanted to say
'What have YOU 10 say"
Bob stared around him; his lips moved but
no word escaped them. His spirit was evil
IDENTITY no longer with things of this earth.
Bob said the judge again, we will pray
for your SOUL
SPRAY! prayr groaned he, i shall need it,
In slow and solemn accents, and with
great feeling. the uttered the Lords Prayer.
Bob repeated every word after him. When
il was ended
God be mercifIl to your souln exclaimed
tho Judge.
'Amenr said all present.
One of the corregidors now passed the
moose of the lasso around Bob's neck anoth-
ar bound his eyes, n third person drew his
feet ont ot'the stirrups, while the fourth step
ped behind the horse with heavy riding whip.
All was done in the deepest silence; not n
word was breathed; not football heard on
the soft yielding turf There was something
awful aud oppressive in the profound stiffness
chat reignCd in thc vast enclosure.
The whip fell. The horse gave II spring
Forwards. At the same moment Bob made
:; desperatc clutch at the bride, and "A loud
'Iiuldn burst in thrilling tones from the lips of
the Judge.
II was too late, Bob was already hanging.
The Judge pushed forward nearly riding
down the man who held the whip,and Selling
Bob in his arms, raised him on his own horse,
supporting him with one hand, while with
the other he strove to unfasten the noose.--
His whole gigantic frame trembl2d with Gag
erness and eXcrtiun. The prucurador, correg-
iiors. all, in short, stood in open mouthcd
wonder at this s'raug' proceeding.
Whisky whisky Has nobody any whisky
shouted the Judge.
One of the men spraug forward with
whisky flask another supported the body,a
third the feet, Of the hGlt-hangcd man,
while the Judge poured few drops of spirits
into his mouth. The cravat, which had not
been taken oil, had hindered the breaking
Ot' his neck. Bob at last opened his ryesand
gazed vacantly around him.
Bob said the Judge, You had something
60 say, HADN'T you, about Johnny"
Johnny gasped Bob; Johnny
WHATS become of him"
He's gone to San Antonio, johnny
80 San Antonion repeated the Judge with
an expression of great alarm ovcrsprcading
his features.
TO San Antonio--to Padre jose continu-
ed Bob; "a Catholic. Bewareo
"A traitor, then y muttered several.
'CathoTicr exclaimed the Judge. The words
ne had heard seemed to deprive him of all
strength. His arms fell slowly and gradual
Nv by his side, and Bob was again hanging
from the lasso.
a Catholic! traitor!' repeated several of
the men; "a citizen and a tratorp
so it is, menr exclaimed the Judge. We've
no time to loose continued he, in Harsh,
hurried voice; 'no time TO lose; we must catch
him.
''That must we,' said several voices 'or our
plans are betrayed to the Mexicans.'
after him Immediately TO San Antonio"
cried the Judge with the same desperately
hurried manner
'To San Antonio' repeated the men, push
ing their way through the curtain of moss
and branches. As soon they were outside,
those who were dismounted sprang into the
saddle, and without another word, the whole
party ga1loped away in the direction of San
Antonio.
The Judge alone remained, seemingly lost
in thoughts his countenance pale and anxious,
and his eyes following the riders. His rever-
lie, however, had lasted but very few Sec
onds, when he seized my arm.
Tiasten to my house, he cried; lose no
time, don't spare horse-fesh. Take Ptoly
and a fresh beast; hurry over to San Felipe.
and tell Stephen Austin what has happened,
and what you have seen and heard
But, Judge
of with you at once, if you would do
Texas a service. Bring mywife and daugh-
ter back
And so saying, he literally drove me from
under the tree, pushing me out with hands
and feet. ] was so much startled at the ex-
preston of violent Impotence and anxiety
which his features assumed, that, without