Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1871-10-05

sip quickly from Denlnu IOo CaRc VI
the still fidget'ng tigress, and come to
a statuesque stand in full front OF the
amused people who scarcely observed
plause; but he was in Lis shirt sleeves
and deadly pale-as well he might be,
having Just discovered that the mighty
beast beside MIN had. by some unnoticed
frantic effort, so loosened the structure of
her cage that the next wrathful movement
would render it fearfully unsafe. There
was not a minute to be lost IN the crea'
lures evidently excited condition, farther
aggravated by the sounds of the band and
tOrmenting attacks OF exasperating flies;
and Bill had rushed out in order to lO"k
for Mr.. Kingsley among the audience,
where he usually sat, and tell him to dis
miss the crowd rs rap dly and quietly as
possible, ss not knowing what instant the
necessary power of protection would be
past; but not seeing him at the moment
in his accustomed place, Bill scarcely
hesitated at the responsibility of announc
ing danger himself; but before his slow
speech could be framed into words that
could warn and not to severely alarm, it
was too late.
The awful animal, crouching warily in
a corner of its shattered inclosure, gave
one abrupt vault, and swift as lightning,
amidst the startled shrek Of the terror
stricken thr0bg, dashed into the open
space before the encircling seats. For a
second it sto; d still there, as though
dazed by its freedom, while the struggling
mass of reared humanity, with scarce a re-
gard for life or limb in each other, fled in
frenzied hase and fright. But just as she
had gathered herself up for her second
spring, our quiet Bill madea simultaneous
leap, and landed square upon her bristling
back, with his muscular arms clasped tight
around her s"ell,ng neck, and his legs
wound close around the 1.-the and cut.
stretched loins. Dismayed by this unex-
pect. d obstruction, for the space of a
breath or two the tigress stood at bay
over in the ring. We could hear Bills
to dislodge him, for sudden silence fell
from flight to watch this shocking contest
rrute In vain she turned and twisted,
reared and plunged Bill held fast, though
the blood poured from his mouth and
blinded the beasts sight-held fast with
the grip of everlasting fate, till Mr.. Kings
ley, snatching q loaded pistol from q
trembling ruff1an at his side, who had just
threatened with il some women in his way
of escape, stretched his firm hand, and
sent bullet straight into the savage crea.
ture's brain. One sharp con ulsion of the
heavy frame, one final heaving of the bur
dened back, and she lay still at last, with
Quiet Bill partly underneath her crushing
weight. Tender hands lif ed him and bore
his senseless body to the nearest comfort.
able place, and more than one strong man
dropped unshamed tears over the manned
comrade who had so gallantly sacrificed
his own life for others; for, if not COM
panionable, Bill had done many kindly
deed for his associates in his own unob-
trusive way, tbat, when the hour of trial
came, the toughest remembered. Turn
by turn we watched by him, but We knew
that no hiog more could be done for him
in this world and even in his agony be
was so grateful for the interest manifested
that it seemed as if he wondered that any
had cared for him, and it was touching to
hear him gasp out between his throes of
anguish, how good we all were to him!'
But the end came soon. The doctor told
him, and he heard it calmly and bore it
bravely. Mr.. XII gsley and were beside
him a few moments after, when he turned
to the former and earnestly said,
II think I've made it even, sir"
"What, Bills"
"Why, you know, sir, I took life; and
l reckon I saved one the other day,
didn't I?'
Mr. kingsley took the cold hand in both
Of his own. "Yes, indeed, Bill; many
more than one, perhaps, and gave yours
too!'
q L ~.
eyes, Bill, I do
"Aud do you believe that He, the great
Judge who knows all things, will hold it
even too?"
ayes, Bill, do think so; for He is full
of mercy and loving-kindness."
"But He is just, toe" murmured the dy.
say He wanted an eye for an eye, q tooth
for tooth, and then knew must some.
how give Him life for the one I slew,
and I've al u ays been lookin' out for the
chance. It was long a-comin'; but I got
it at last; and l thank Him for lettin' me
make it even."
Mr.. King,ley was crying like child.
"My good old Bill" he said, II am 90
sorry to lose you. You have been faith
ful servant, and shall miss you more than
l can say"
A glad light flashed into the dim eyes,
and, in spite of the exquisite pain of every
move ment, he made one supreme effort,
and lifted Mr.. Kingsley's hand to his white
lips.
"God bless you, sir!" he gasped out.
" You took me when all the world kicked
me out, and you've never given me IN IAN
word. God bless you; you're all in life
I'm loath to leave" Then he lay silent
for little while, and we thought he was
asleep, and would pass away SO; but
suddenly he was looking at US wide awake,
and spoke out, firm and clear:
And there was such a lot of little
uns tuat day, too! It's all right, all right!
! kn0eo I've made it event.
And then the pace of death settled
down on the PILE tace of Quiet Bill.