Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-05-31

1
! ing so disagreeable duty, but with a saw
age look he ordered me to "perform the
task ne had imposed upon me, and make
no more words about it.
Morgan had had a fair trial. His guilt
was too evident, and as he lay in the store
with his feet and hands bound with strong
cords, looking dirty and ragged, with the
blood slowly dripping from bis arm, where
I a ball had lodged from the revolver of
Dory, could not help plying the poor
wretch. He must have read compassion
in my face, for, making an effort TO sit up
right, in which he was not successful, he
asked me for drink of water. instantly
handed him some, and, after drinking
heartily, he appeared to feel relieved. ]
asked him if there was anything else that
] could do for him, when he motioncd me
TO come closer 10 him. lie remained ST.
lent Tor a moment, and then said
"The Judge has appointed you 10 see
that the sentence is carried into effect has
he not %
81 am sorry 10 say that he has, Morgan"
answered.
"Well never mind. | would rather it
were Won than some others here. But
have part;c1,lar favor to ask Of you.-
Perhaps you will laugh, and think it a
weakness; but can't help it. Have you
Bible at your tert 2"
told him that never travelled with
out one, and that | should be happy to
read it to him.
"Thank vou," he said. 81 have not
looked into one for wears, more shame to
me if had followed its preccpts, | should.
not have been here"
left him and walked back to my tent.
How hated mvselffor The part that | had
got 10 plav in the murder, for could call
it no better. It was in vain that ponder
ed plans to escape from my task could
see no remedy, and the idea that l must
assist in the execution almost drove me
frantic.
It was now about nine. Morgan had
one hour more to live. I went to the
head of my bed, and taking my Bible lrii
for the store, where the prisoner was still
confined. A large coIec'on OF people
had assembled from the different 5ots, and
were passing the time away IN taking one
or two drinks, to give them an appetite for
the tragedy that was soon to De enacted.
"Alake way for the sheriff." shouted one
or two noisy fellows, as ! endeavored TO
force my way INTO the presence OF Morgan
"hooNS d Sgnt more IlE' MN
| iS'er' Don't you see ms BiOle,' SAID an
/ other.
passed INTO the store, where l round
Nl2Tgan seated On box Hn looked pare
and thoughtful, but smile Illuminated ms
countenance when ne saw that had
brought the book with me-
81 had almost gwen you up ne oO-
/ served, as | seated myself 10y hlm'
made no reply, but commenced read
ing a chapter IN low voice. IN an m
slant every head was uncovered WITHIN
hearing, and al! was st'lI within the store.
Morgan listened WIN great a'Ghiloh' out
/ by the time that ! '2d hnlShed me ,hlFa
chapter, the loud yo'ce OF Jones called out
"Time's up, bring out the prisoner"
] slowly closed my book, and atose.-
/ Morgan also arose, and cut The cords that
bound his feet and stepped towards the en-
trance Of the store. lie was now very
pale, whether from the less OF blood, or
anXiety, | did not know.
While I had been reading 10 him; they
had drawn lots on the outside. and six of
the best marksmen on the river had the
chance Of shooting at the poor fellow
Thrir riaos WERE taken and loaded by a
,hird party, two of them with nothing but
r,v,lnr ., that i ehonld not he known,