Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-02

CdfTidgo SlOppSu, IIe hSaiu Nt"W
bridge descend, and he knew by the
sound of the wheels that they had cross
ed deep moat. Although it was per-
fectly dark, the bandage was again plac-
ed upon his eyes, while they entered, as
it appeared to him, into largo court
yard. The door of the carriage was
opened, and two men, taking the execu-
toner BY the arms, led him up several
steps. He heard around him sounds as
if battle axes or muskets were laid upon
the ground. 1
Come along," said strange voice,
for he had stopped, as if in hesitation.
Remember your promise" whispered
his travelling companion, and we will
not forget ours" III
1t then seemed to him that be had en-
tered large vestibule, they crossed sew
eral vast, dark rooms, which he was GER
tain were all vaulted, and st last he was
led into large saloon, where the band
age was taken from his eyes. The walls
were all hung with black, and few
torches cast dim, sepuchral light over
the apartment. Ten men were seated
some distance from him. and though
they were unmarked, the light was so
faint that he could not distinguish their
features. All the inferior actors in this
drama stood around with Grape upon
their faces.
Immediately after the executioner had
entered this apartment hall of Judgment,
door in the opposite wall was flung
open, aud two men appeared, leading a
lady, whose face was concealed by long
veil. She was tall, slight, and evidently
young, and wore a long, flowing dress
of violet velvet. She was placed in the
centre of this boiling circle, where she
stood erect, calm, and motionless, her
hands folded and covered by the long
and graceful sleeves of her dress. All
were profoundly silent. and he who seem
ed most of authority among them, rose,
and addressed the executioner in German
(which all the Alastians understood)
and said: "You have been brought here
to infiict in secret the merited punishment
of secret crime. You will behead tn is
woman, who, unanswerab!e to a public
tribunal, is stained with objectionable
guilt"
The executioner-all executioner as
he was-was an honest man. He would
unhesitatingly put people to death by
order of the magistrates of Colmar, and
mandate signed by them, sealed with
the great corporate seal, and the feur de
lis, reviewed by the kings commissioners,
and registered in the records of the town
but this was quite another affair,-noth
icg but an assassination, for how could
he know what right these men had to ex-
ercise the authority Of legal judges, when
their very faces were a mystery to him
After few moments reflection he sum
moned up sufficient courage to say with
al unhesitating voice, " | cannot obey
you'll"
All around he heard swords drawn
from their scabbards, from which he sup
posed that those magistrates were not
altogether so pacific as world be suitable
for the office. He looked at the lady
there she stood, apparently as calm and
undisturbed as if these proceedings had
no interest for her.
. Iou have promised obedience to our
commands" said the man who had
brought him, "and you will feel the
weight of our vengeance if you do not
keep your word"
"When | promised it, it was under
the impression that your proceedings
wou!l be legal, though secret. l am no
assassin; and gentlemen, whoever you
may be, refuse to execute your orders
and will not touch hair of that WON.
ans head. Beside, what crime has she
committed"
The president looked at his colleagues
as if to get their opinion; and then rising
quickly, said in voice of thunder, ''you
ask what,crime this woman has commit
ted? Listen, and you shall hear, and
| the horrors of the tale will nerve your
/ arm to inflict on her punishment which
is, however, unequal to her guilt, This
4 woman-n
" Enough" said the woman, stretch
ing forth her hand; enough. You
may deprive me of life, but you may
not, ought not to reveal to man liz Q
that the secret that your ears have heard.
If | am guilty, punish mel submit
and that is more than yoa have right
to expect"
This alteration was succeeded by a
solemn, death-like silence, only interrupt
ed by the monotonous ticking of large
clock covered by the gloomy hangings.
Eleven struck.
There is not moment to be lost"
said the president. "Obey." a
A large, sharp sword was presented
to him, like those used by executioners
in Switzerland.
No" said he, +" no; put her to death
yourself. You are an illegal judge. and
you may as well be an Illegal execution
err"
During this the condemned did not
stir.
"Listeu," said the first speaker, " do
you value your life."
" Yes, for the sake of my wife and
little daughter, whose sole support am"
I" Very good-decide then; if you
have not beheaded this woman before
the quarter strikes, will send bullet
through your head"