Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-05-22

Nuy PiO'islohS ~ ble FttG liley H6I6 ecIIIhS IO
at the store, we should have had to send home
for money to pay our debts with, or else take the
benefit of the bankrupt act.
All went on smoothly for week. We mad;
the acquaintance Of most OF the miners in the
neighborhood, and found them all to be pretty
good fellows their worst fault appeared to be
drinking, but then they worked hard, and plead.
ed as an excuse that the climate was SO bad thai
drinking was beneficial.
One morning, just as day was breaking, oul
accustomed hour for getting up to breakfast, we
observed large crowd gathered round the Store
and curiosity getting the better Of US, we start
ed to see what the matter was, leaving one to
cook the breakfast. AS we drew near,
could see the tall form of Jones mingling with
the crowd, and gesticulating violently. in
quired of him what had brought SO many togeth-
er, thus early in the morning.
"Matter enough" he replied. Here's that
id scoundrel of a Morgan stole no less than
SO, ,OCO from Dory, The store keeper"
"Is he taken ?" asked, astonished at the
robbery.
"Yes, we have him safe enough, and the
money also," chuckled Jones'
After some inquiries, found that about two
O'clock in the morning, Dory was awakened by
slight noise inside the tent. In an instant all
was quiet, but thinking that everything was not
right, he took his revolver from under his bed,
and commenced search about in the dark. All
at once his hand came in contact with a mans
head.
"Who's this ~ he asked, and received for an
answer tremendous blow, which nearly stun
ned him, but instantly rallying, he discharged
his revolver repeatedly at q form that darted
past him, and then followed as swiftly as posi-
BILE in pursuit, shouting, "stop thief !"
Some dozen or two turning out, gave chase,
and succeeded in capturing Morgan, after des-
perate resistance, in which he used his knife
rather freely. About sixty yards from the store
he had thrown away the two buck.skin bags
that contained the dust, which were safely de-
lvered to the owner. They were now about
forming jury to try him for the robbery, and
twelve Americans were accordingly chosen, with
old Jones as Judge The trial was soon over,
and the jury were not out more than half an
hour before they returned, and pronounced him
worthy of death, leaving it to the Judge to de-
eide in what manner he should die.
Well, boys, you have acted wisely, and, as
am a merciful man, decide that at ten o'clock
this forenoon, he be tied to tree, and six of our
best marksmen load their rifles and have crack
at him, and may God have mercy on his SOUL
Mr.. -" Jones continued, " | appoint you,
with as many assistants as you want, to see the
law carried into effect"
minated to the honorable judge that
should like TO be excused from performing SO
part but with a savage look he
ordered me to perform the task he had imposed
upon me, and make no more words about it.
Morgan had had fair trial. His guilt was
too evident, and as he lay in the store with his
hands and feet bound with strong cords, looking
dirty and ragged, with the blood slowly dripping
from his arm, where ball had lodged from the
revolver of Dory-I could not help plying the
poor wretch. He must have read compassion in
my face, for, making an effort to sit upright, in
which he was not successful, he asked me for a
drink Of water. | instantly handed him some,
and, after drinking heartily, he appeared to feel
relieved I asked him if there was anything
else that could do for hun, when he motioned
me to come closer to him. He remained silent
for moment, and then said:
"The Judge has appointed you to sec that the
sentence is carried into effect, has he not?"
81 am sorry to say he has, Morgan" an
swered.
swell, never mind. would rather it were
you than some others here. But have partic
ular favor 10 ask of you. Perhaps you vii
laugh, and think it weakness; but can't helE
it. Have you a Bible at your tent?"
told him that never travelled without one
and that l should be happy to read it to him.
Thank you," he said. 81 have not LOOKED
into one for years. more shame to me; if hat
followed its precepts, | should not have beer
here"
left him, and walked back to my tent. How
hated myself for the part that had got to play
in the murder, for could call it no better.
was in vain that pondered plans to escape my
task. could see no remedy, and the idea tina
must assist in the execution almost drove m,
frantic.
1t was now about nine. Morgan had ON
hour more to live. | went to the head of m,
bed, and taking my Bible, left for the store
where the prisoner was still confined. A larg
collection OF people had assembled from the dit
terent bars, and were passing the time away il
taking one or two drinks, to give them an appe
tte for the tragedy that was soon to be enacted
snake way for the sheriff." shouted one O
two noisy fellows as | endeavored to force m
way into the presence of Morgan.
Looks id sight more like minister
Don't you see his Bible," said another.
passed into the store, where found Morga
seated on box. He looked pale and thought
ful, but a smile illuminated his countenanc
when he saw that had brought the book wit
me.
81 had almost given you up" he observed, q
| seated myself beside him.
made no reply, but commenced reading
chapter in low voice. In an instant every hea
within hearing was uncovered, and all was sti
within the store. Morgan listened with gre,
attention, but by the time | had finished Ii
third chapter, the loud voice of Jones called ou
"Time's up, bring out the prisoner"
| slowly closed my book, and arose. Morga
also arose, and cut the cord that bound his ie
and stepped toward the entrance of the store -
He was now very pale, whether from the loss
blood, or anxiety, did not know.