The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-09-16


this afternoon. The undertaking is
desperate one, Jack, but perseverene
may give Us success. God grant tn,
it may be sol" ~. 4s
"Have yoa intimsted our schcme
Harold yet ~ asked Jack.
l. :No," Charley replied, 81 thought
woald not be best to do SO until I ha
interviewed the sheriff. A great des
| depends upon him, you know. Shout
l succeed in managing him as wish
shall then tell Harold what 1 mea
doing for him."
/ Here the two friends shook hand
warmly and separated.
Charley Immediately set out on hi
search for the sheriff. This individua
was an easy-going fellew. always pc
caniarily embarrassed, and alway
ready to take drink when an oppor
tnnity offered. Ever since sentenc,
was pronounced snHsrold Vincent
and it became plain that it would soor
be his painful duty to place the noos,
about an old friend's neck and sprins
the gallows trap, he had been YER,
much depressed, and had kept his
room almost continually. Thithsl
Charley went and was admitted by the
unhappy onicial himself.
"Geod afternoon sheriff." said Law.
renee. "You dent seem to be your.
self of late. What's the matter; ap.
preaching duties trouble you, hoy ?"
! "Wel, to tell the TRUTH" said. the
official, -"I do dread what's comm z
awfally. wish it was over"
"Well, replied Charley, sit won't
help you any to cit around in . close
rsom all day, what dye say to taking
awalk around to Pendegrast's and try
ing some of his fresh lager7"
"Well,I don't mind, !" said the sheriff,
taking his hat 81 believe a glass or
tive Of lager would do me good"
The two were soon on tho street
and pointed fer Pendegrast's. Arriv-
ing there, Charley was gratified at
finding the place quite deserted. Seat
ing themselves At the remotest table
they leasurely enjoyed q couple Of
glasses Of lager, which improved the
sheriff's spirits wonderfully.
"Sherifi," said Charley, after little,
II have got q peculiar request 10 make
of you. I have always been q friend
to you, and If you comply with what
| am about to ask, will be q still
greater one. wish you to fx the
cord with which you hang Harold
Vincent so that he shall break it when
The trap FALLS"
"Why Charley, are you crazy I" said
he official. "Do ysu wish to prolong
your friends sufferings7 Why do you
wish the rope to break? Do you con-
emplate rescue ?"
1t will not prslong his sufferings,'
eplied Lawrence, coolly. "The rope
aust be weakened SO much BY some
means that very trifling resistance
will break it. Allow Hereld Vincent |
fall to the ground once, and then
ou can select perfect rope and hang
our victim effectually. 1 promise
ou that there will be no attempt made
rescue in the court yard. There
no disturbance meditated whatever.
~ request is singular one, but
ill explain my motive after the exc
ation takes place. Your compliance
an in no way damage you-ropes fire.
uently break, you know. Promise
he faithfully that you will do what l
ave asked you and you shall receive
We hundred dollars on the evening Of {
le day of execution"
The sheriff wavered. "The request ,
on make is singular one," he said |
'ut, as you say, the fact Of the ropes
'eaking cannot damage me. 1 am
vfully pushed for money" II
"You have simply to weaken a rope c
I'd allow Harold to descend to the q
'ound," interrupted Lawrence, 'sand t
70 hundred dollars will be your re- 9
ard-five hundred dollars paid you
when all is over" q
'I'll do it. Here's my hand;I SOL il
anly promise to do what you wish," b
id the sheriff. Q
'Very well, " said Lawrence. "Where
III the gallows be erected; do you b
ow yet3" q
Near the northeast corner of the Il
place where Dunkirk
Is hung fifteen years ago. We will p
t it up there this time, but some-
lat nearer the fence, so as to OBJ al
act the view from the roof of that to
;ant house of McArdle's. That's the "
ly chance for a sight" "
Just 90" mused Charley. "Well,I
st be going-I have an engagement" ie
ID directing the landlord to replen-
the sheriff's glass, he went out.
Whom Harold Vincent was enlisht. in
ID by Charley as to what was to be a
'mpted in his behalf, he was thun. G,
struck. s, st,
Your plan will fail at the last, 1 20
'," ,"he said, ,mournfully. Frightening tn
after little, however, he centinu. A
"but do wrong to discourage tn
!, my brave friend. Depend upon ov
hat at the critical moment I shall de
be slow to act. For tho sake of an
'e near and dear to me, rather than We
my own, l hope the plan may sue Th
l." @ in
be two dread weeks Intervening b
veen the day on which the DOOM ins
nan had received his sentence and ou
time appointed for his execution. ba,
ed rapidly away. The morning So
le 18th dawned clear and bright, lup
ON the hearts Of hundreds in the a b
'eful town Of Lay dark clouds of