Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-10-24
IA AlREMINISCENCE OF BLACK
#s GULCH. = s&

1t was MONDAY at Black Gulch, wher
twelve miners were congregated beneatl
the only tree that grew in the vicinity
while an unfortunate wretch stood OF
the back OF horse, with moose abou
his neck, ready to be launched int
eternity. They had formed circle
around the culprit and were about t
hang him, when he raised his eyes IL
the direction of cloud OF dust which
Just then arose a couple OF miles distant
and requested respite long enough tc
determine whether it was his wife who
was coming to bid him farewell.
After few moments consultation
among themselves, the miners granted
his request, and be was lifted from Che
horse to the ground, while all eyes were
curiously bent on the cloud of dust thai
approached nearer and nearer.
jim Bennett turned the tobacco in
his mouth with as much nonohalanne as
if he were net under Sentence OF death
by the hastily extemporized court oil
miners that stood about him. That's
Moll," he exclaimed, scanning the out
lines of the horse aud rider, who were
furiously dashing over the prairie. " She
came eussed nigh inissin the hangin,
but I'm glad she's come, and ] hope
you'll give me few private words with
her"
This last request ELECTED a grunt Of
acquiesence from his executioners, and
then Mary Bennett, mounted on a fleet
mountain pony, which was covered with
loan, rode up to the group with an air
of bravado that rendered her positively
enchanting from the manner in which
she bore herself
"This is bad business, Moll," said
one of the miners, throwing his rifle
into the hollow OF his arm but Jim
has nobody but himself to blame He's
been warned over and over again not to
come about these diggings; yet he
wouldn't heed advice. Last night he
undertook his old trick of stealing
horses, and when Bill Simpson set about
arresting him he shot him, just as he
did poor Rufus last spring. 1t was more
on your promises at that time that hs
would behave himself than anything
else that we didn't hang him; but the
committee won't take promises any
longer, and Jim must swing. Wen
give you a talk of fifteen minutes with
him, and the speaker pulled out a
silver watch, while his companions with
drew to a short distance.
Moll Bennett was certainly singular
as we'll as remarkable parsonage, and. It
was not common occurrence to find
her like on the pFairies. She was about
twenty-three years of age, with a figure
as graceful and 1.-THE as could possibly be
imagined. Black hair and eyes, the lat
ter bewitching, bright and beautiful, reg
ular white teeth, and compile aon
tanned to the brownest hue by exposure,
while character that knew no limit to
reckless daring, had given her reputa-
ton that had extended far and wide over
that section Of the country. She was
beyond dispute very beautiful woman,
but there was wicked glsam in her
eyes when she became angry that caused
those in her immediate vicinity to look
well for their safety, for Moll could per-
petrate bloody deed as well as the best
Of them. She was the reputed wife OF
Jim Bennett, a desperado, who lived
several miles distant from the miners
camp. None knew from whence she
osmo, for she was exceedingly reticent
on that subject, but tho very fair educa-
ton which she possessed forbade the be.
lief that she had been reared on the
frontier.
When the miner had ceased speaking,
Moll Bennett eyed him with a supercil-
ious air, aud without deigning reply,
strobe to where her husband stood
bound. / could cut you loose, Jim,
she said, but it wouldn't be Of any use.
I've only one horse, and he's done
mp with hard riding. Wecan't escape.
Tain't Of any account, Aoll, rc-
piled her husband. l am in for it this
time and no mistake; ] don't mind the
dying but hate 70 leave yen, Mol; yet
mans got to 90 sometime or other
But 1 want yop 10 promise me that you !