Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-04-26
BSHED EVERY E.

VIC make the attempt. 1t would be equally
dangerous for US to remain inactive, for the
maniac held the torch so near the powder, that
had the least spark dropped, we would have
| been destroyed.
This apartment was entirely isolated from
| the others, and was never visited save by Che
| sentlnels. Our only hope, then was either to
| interest the Mexican until the arrival of the
other sentinel, or extinguish the torch. | sug
gested the latter to my companions But how
was this to be accomplished We had pistols,
but dare not fire, for fear he might drop the
torch into the mine. Our only resort, then,
was to strategy There was young Ameri-
can among us named Halselcy. lie Informed
US that he thought he could succeed in extin-
gushing the torch. Having requested US not
TO none from the spot, he prepared to execute
his plan. Our conversation had been main
| taiued in English, so that the Mexican was
unable to understand US During the time oC-
cupied by our deliberation, he had stood mo-
tioGteSS, looking upon us in a Semi-triumphant
manncr. HalSeley had a small flask of brandy
suspended from his belt. This he drew forth,
and, having taken draught asked the McXi-
can to joiu him. The latter wstfulIy glanced
aud it, and hesitated. We now thought we
discovered our comrades plan, aud awaited
with Intense anxiety the result At length
the maniac nodded an affirmative. HalseIey
walked slowly up to the spot in q confident
aud friendly manner
"Whcn We had approached within d yard
of him, he paused for a moment, as though un-
willing to advance further without his pcrmis
sion the Mexican did not seem to suspect
him, but when Halseey again stepped forward
he apparently began to doubt, and glanced
fiercely upon him ; but he assumed look so
innocent as to quiet his incipient fears. The
maniac extended his hand for the flask Hal
seley handed it to him, at the same time firm
Iy fixing the cork in the bottle. The Mexican
could opened it, however, by using both hands,
but he was too wary to relinquish the torch
and finding he could not otherwise withdraw
it, lac handed it to UalScley, saying, Open =
During all this time, he still held the torch
in the same position. As soon as lIalSclcy
had received the flask, aud when he had nearly
withdrawn the stopper, he suddenly exclaimed
in Spanish, Look qui k at your torch 7 The
maniac turned, but no sooner was his head
avertcd, than ITalseey opened the flask like
lightning, and emptied its entire contents on
the torch. The maniac saw the flame flicker,
but with 0enOblacal laugn ne cropped the
torch 1t fell upon the powder, extinguishcd.
We could contain ourselves no longer, but
burst out into loud and prolonged hurrahn
Meanwhile, the baiiled mailman stood gnashing
his teeth he saw the failure of' his attempt,
and stood as though rooted as the spot. In
moment VIC all sprGng upon him, but such
was his superhuman strength the would have
shaken US all off, had not number of soldiers
at that moment arrived. With their assistance
VIC bound and conveyed him away. We after
wards learned that he had escaped from the
prisoners during the temporary absence of the
sentinel and had made his way to the powder
magazue with the intention of destroying the
garrison When think how nearly he effect
ed his object, and of our dangerous situation,
inyoluntarily thank the God who SO providen-
TALLY saved u.s."