The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-08-17
SELECT TALE.
TAB R1F'lBNAD.
A LEAF FROM TEXAN HISTORY.
BY ]. W. LEWIS.


ty, and revealed terrible scene 1t con
sisted of ten or dozen men who werC
: standing near the west bank of the Colo
RADIO river, in the county ofthe same name
c Texas. They comprised band Of lynch
ers and their victim
Tie him up thundered the fierce lead
er Of the band, excitedly; up with him
{ men and give him hundred lashes ?
| The captive heard the order, and sew.
eral of the inhuman gang moved forward
to obey, but his features did not betray a
sign Of fear. His heart was tearfully
nerved for the fate before him.
Spare him, for my sake 7 shrieke9
prisoners wife, as she darted forwar
a low clump of bus. IS which had h.
concealed her from view, and threw ht.
self at the feet of the wretch who had
pronounced so fearful sentance upon her
husband.
Made by one so lovely, the appeal
ought to have been irresistible yet it
was directed to one who never relented,
after his determination had been formed,
and who cared but little for tears and en-
treaties, Her hair was disheveled around
her snow white shoulder her features
were pale and expressive of the emotions
that filled her heart and even her atti-
tude as she knelt there so imploringly,
portrayed the agony of her thoughts
Better far, better were it to die than en-
dure such misery. ..."
Her sudden appearance in the group
caused considerable excitement; shade
of painful anxiety fitted over herhuSband
brow as she said
You here, Ellen? l am unworthy of
such devotion and attachment as this {?
No dear Henry, do not speak thus
you are only too worthy .,.
Woman /! why art thou here? This
visit is very untimely ! said the leader,
sternl y, and his dark eyes sparkled with
stranger light as they drank in her peer
less loyeliness. . .. .
4 would save my husband , murmured
the wretched woman, bursting into tears.
And for this purpose you have come
here p
yes, and pray you to release him !!
Be merciful and Heaven will reward you.
If my prayers, entreaties and tears can
avail aught, know you will grant my re-
quest +
The lyncher smiled bitterly as he re-
piled: Your tears are shed in vain i
Were my eternal salvation depending up
on the issue, he should not escape the
punishment it is my pleasure to inhict up
on him. Full we'll do l know how to a
yenge my brother and reward his mur-
derer.'
Murderer! The insinuation is false
he is innocent : said she with the bold.
ness that can be only given by despair.
Then darker yet became the leaders
brow, and he muttered, in low, venge.
full whisper:
Beware l will not brook contradic-
ton from such as thou. Your words on
ly hasten the vengeance | am about to
take.
Spare him ! again moaned the help.
less woman, in tones of anguish that
should have moved fend to pity, and
tears coursed thick and fast down her pale
cheeks.
'Neuer was the stern response, and it
banished the last ray of hope from the
poor woman's heart. She looked up ear
nestly into the dark face before her and
its expression convinced her that he had
spoken truly-her tears were in vain
During the time occupied by this con-
versation, the men had bound Henry Nor
ton to two saplings which stood a few feet
apart-a hand extended to each, it was a
painful position, and, under ordinary cir
cumstances, would have been unendura.
BILE but his mind was too much occupied
by thoughts of his wife's Sufferings for
him to be really conscious of his own stu
alton. lie knew her health was delicate,
and feared that this stroke would be too
much for her gentle spirit to bear; and
as he realized the manner in which her
ferveent appeal had been received, and
saw the eyes of his enemy roaming over
the form at his feet cxultingly, look of
indignation arose to his countenance, and
fixing his keen orbs full upon him he said:
ASK no mercy of such as him Ellen,
for l would rather die than receive favor
from his hands He has branded me as
murderer-has added insult TO injury
has trampled upon the feelings hold
dear and sacred-and yethe knOacS my in
nocence Now is the hour of his tri-
umph, and he may make the most of it.
fear him not. have still my unerring
rifle left, and if wronged Heaven and my
own right arm will achieve retributive
justice Conscious of being upon the
side of right, and knowing that my deeds
will all bear the scrutiny of honor and
justice, l am prepared for all he can or
dare do F! Return to the cottage, and
when these dastardly wretches have exc
cuted their base designs upon a man they
know to be innocent, | will join you !
Every word of this bold, bitter speech
sank decly into the hearts of his listeners.
All felt its justice, but this feeling only
served to incite them on. The checks of
the leader burned with shame and rage,
and more than one of the men sought to
hush his voice, but he was undaunted by
their threatening appearance. Many and
deep were the execrations.
by heavens J. cried the Lieutenant of
the band who generally acted the part of
boatswain upon such occasions I'll cut