The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-07-20


when young Whiteman called the Ran,
ger, who was acting as his second, and
taking his hand within, his own, whis-
pered
"You appear to be kind and true
hearted man, and l wish to ask favor
of you"
'Speak on. Anything | can do shall
be done. Say the word and I'll take
your place"
mo, not that But if / should chance
to fall promise that you will see me bu-
ried as | am. Do not let my dress be
disturbed in the least; wrap me up in Il
blanket, and do not let any one pry
around me after | am dead. Will you
do it ?"
at is a strange thing to ask, but I'll
do it," - 49,
s.Thcn | am ready"
"Yes, I'll do it," muttered the Ranger,
as he slowly retreated, repeating to him
Iself, ''and if you fall I'll send bullet
through the skull of him that did it, and
may the good Lord forgive Inc if it is
murder
"Now, Lake Bouton,' continued
Whiteman, Il am ready. Yet one word,
and he stepped to his side, and handed
him miniature. IF / die,l look at this.
"I'll do it now," and with trembling
fingers he united the clasp-then let it
drop from his hands rs if it had been a
serpent, exclaiming: ''Now, I'll not fight
you Take him away, some one-take
him away, for Gods sake"
mot fight? Then You win die like u
dog" and Whiteman raised his weapon
and motioned for the word to be given.
1t was some time, however, before his
request was complied with. The sinewy
frame Of the gambler trembled like q dry
leaf in the autumn wind. All the color
had left his face and his lips were like
ashes; his pistol was pointed downward,
and his hands shook. AT length he sue
ceeded, by mighty effort, in calming
himself. lie braced his nerves-glared
wildly around, and with all the calmness
of despair, stood upon his guard.
care you ready? both ready?" was
asked.
EYES," came simultaneously from two
pair Of lips.
Observation-Disclosures Ei
The report of the pistols cut the last
word in twain. The seconds rushed for
ward aud lifted the men up, for both had
fallen. One, however, would never
breathe again Luke Bouton had fought
his last duel-had gone to his final ac-
count with his heart bullet cleft. White
man, too, was dangerously wounded
With his breath bubbIing forth through
blood he called the Ranger to him and
asked him for the miniature. 1t was
given him-the fair face of a young man.
lie covered it with bloody kisses, and
whispered: "Bury it with me" and he
too had ceased to live. -a
With fearful eyes that form was pre-
pared for the grave, the Ranger insisting
that his promise to the dead should be
fulfilled to the letter. But all saw sulli-
cient to satisfy them that he who called
himself Whiteman was young woman.
And years later they found clue to the
mystery. 1t was wife who had thus
avenged the murder of her husband
murdered for saving her from dishonor
From bloody grave in the chapparel,
she had gone to join him she had loved
so well in the land that lies beyond the
dark river. :,
Was her act a sin? 1t, is not for us
to Judge Of such thing. We know
nothing of the maddened heart and iu-
sane brain,th nights of suffering-noth-
ing of how we would act under such cir,
cumstances. Better leave judgment to
Him who can read both the mind and
the heart, whose will directs the avenging
bullet. No one is without sin. and who
will dare to cast the first stone?