Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-03-12
NUMBER %
THANK We, murmured Bob.

lie called Tor light, ana ne ana the procura-
dor and coregidors sealed up the papers and mo-
ney.
Has any aught to allege why the sentence
should not be put in executionl said the Alcalde.
with glance at me.
He saved my life, Judge, and fellow citizens
cried deeply moved.
Bob shook his head mournfully.
LET US 60 then, in Gods name, said the
Judge.
Without another word being spoken, we left the
house aud mounted our horses. The Judge had
brought Bible with him and he rode on a little
in front, with Bob, doing his best to prepare him
for the eternity TO which he fastening. Bob
listened attentiyely for time; but at last he
seemed TO get impatient and pushed his mustang
into so fast a trot that for moment suspected
him of wishing to escape the doom he had so
eagerly sought But it was only that he feared
the fever might return before the expiration OF
the short time he yet had to live
After an hours ride, we came TO the enormous
live oak distinguished the Pdfridrch. Two or
three Of the men dsmounied and held aside the
moss covered branches which swept the ground.
and formed a complete curtain round the tree
The party rode through the opening thus made
and drew up in a circle beneath the huge eafy
dome. In the centre Of this ring stood Bob, tremb-
ling like aspen-leaf and with his eyes fixed on a
small mound of fresh earlh partly concealed by
the branches, and which had escaped my notice
Of the murdered man.
magnificent burial place was that no poet
could have dreampt or desired better. Above,
the huge vault with its natural frettngs and arches
below, the greenest, freshest grass around, an
eternal half light, sreaked and varied and radiant
as a rainbow II was imbosingly beautiful.
Bob, the Judge, and the corregidors, remained
sitting their horses but several Of the other men
dismounted. One of the latter cut the asso from
Bob's saddle and threw an end oft over one of
the owermost branches then uniting the two ends,
formed them into a strong moose, which he left
dangling from the bough- This simple prepara-
ton completed the Alcalde took off his hat and
folded his hands. The others followed his exam
pie
Bob said the Judge TO the unfortunate criminal
whose head bowed on the horses main Bob
we will pray for your poor soul, which is about to
part from your sinful body
Bob raised his head. 4 had something 10 say
exclaimed he in wondering and husky Tone
Something wanted to say.
what have you to sayl
Bob stared around him; his lips moved, but no
word escaped them. His spirit was evidently no
longer with things of this earth.
Bob ? said the Judge again, we will pray for
your SOUL
Pray pray! groaned he Il shall need it,
In slow and solemn accents, and with great feel
ing, he uttered the Lords Prayer. Bob repeat
ed every word after him. When it was end
ed
God be mercful to your soulP exclaimed the
Judge
'Amenp said all present.
One of the corregdors now passed the moose of
the lasso around Bobs neck, another bound his
eyes, third person drew his feet out Of the strrups
while the fourth stepped behind the horse with
heavy riding whip. All was done in the deepest
silence; not word was breathed not a football
heard on the soft yielding turf. There some
thing awful and oppressive in the profound stiffness
that reigned in the vast enclosure.
The whip fell. The horse gave a spring for
wards. At the same moment Bob made despe-
rate clutch at the bride, and loud 'Hodr burst
in thrilling tones from the lips Of the Judge.
1t too late, Bob was already hanging. The
Judge pushed forward nearly riding down the man
who held the whip, aud seizing Bob in his arms,
raised him on his own horse, supporting him with
one hand, while with the other he stroye to unfas-
ten the moose. His whole gigantic frame trembed
with eagerness and exertion. The procurador,
corregidors, all, in Short stood in open mouthed
wonder at this strange proceeding.
Whisky whisky! Has nobody any whisky shout
ed the Judge
One Of the men sprang forward with a whisky
flask, anothe. supported the body, and third
the feet, of the halEhanged man. while the judge
poured few drops of spirits into his mouth. The
cravat, which had not been taken off had hindered
the breaking oil ms neck. Bob at last opened his
eyes, and gazed vacantly around him.
Bob said the Judge, you had something to say.
hadn't you, about Johnny
Johnny gasped Bob Johnny
What's become of him 2
Hes gone to San Antonio Johnny
TO San Antonio repeated the Judge, with
expression of great alarm overspreadng his
features
30 San AntoniO-to Padre Jose, continued
Bob; "a Catholic Beware!
"A traitor, then' muttered several
Catholic = exclaimed the Judge The words he
had heard seemed to deprive him Of all strength
His arms fell slowly and gradually by his side, and
Bob was again hanging from the lasso
"A Catholicl traitorl' repeated several of the
men; "a citizen and a traitor =
80 it is menu exclaimed the Judge. We've
no time to loose continued he, in harsh, hurried
voice; mo time to lose; must catch him.
THAT must we, said several voices, COR our plans
are betrayed to the Mexicans'
! 'Aher him Immediately to San Antoniop cried
the Judge with the same desperately hurried man
ner.
TO San Antonio repeated the men, pushing
their way through the curtain Of moss and branches
4 As soon as they were outside, those who were
dsmoupted sprang into the saddle, and without
another word. The whole party galloped away in
the direction of San Antonio.
The Judge alone remained. seemingly loss in
thought his countenance pale aud anxious, and
his eyes following the riders His reverie, how
ever, had lasted but very few seconds when he
seized my arm
Hasten to my house, he cried lose no time,
don't spare holse-aesh. Take Ptoly and fresh