Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-03-02


YOU must abide by"
In an instant sort oi Iormality was
given to the assembly, the captain and
another being the centre OF semi circle
while opposite TO them were the two
prisoners. guarded by four men. sup
pose there must have been seventeen or
eighteen OF the Vigilantes together
With a.rapidily that almost stunned me
the trial began and concluded. The pris'
one:s, offered no particular defence they
seemed conscious of its inutility, and the
"evi 'ence' against them was chiefly ac'
cusaiion-bu it sufliced When the cap
tain asked the verdict there was a unaDi.
nous reply Of Guilty = and he addressed
the culprits thus: "SaY-Joe Blakey and
Phil Mall, you hev heard the evidence
in this honorable committee of yigilantes,
and the verdict OF guilty. We therefore
intend TO string you up, and We mean 10
clear the country OF all thieves, right
away. You have ten minutes allowed
you to leave any message you wish
The apathy OF the two was extraordi-
nary; Phil only scowled savagely at the
speaker; while Joe absolutely turned TO
his nearest guard, and asked him for
"ehew" and the guard, pulling a cake
OF tobacco from his breast, handed ii to
Joe, who broke piece of and began
masticaling it with apparent relish.
Just then, | caught his eye, and !
thought it was fixed on me with such
hopeless yet appealing look. that !
could hesitate no longer. With an ener
gy which surprised myself, | broke out
into an appeal Tor the lives Of the con.
demned, explained how | had been
received by them. and given the best
they had, and how Joe had helped NC 10
find my horse in the day. If will be
security" concluded. "that they leave
the ncighborhood. bear letters from
good houses in New York to several
persons 10 this vicinity. some OF whom
may be kn ,wn to you. and which will
prove | can bear out my offer" drew
my letters from my pocket. aud read the
addresses; Captain Hiram DAnks;
Major Julius Bumper; Sheriff GoIlopy;
Colonel Nanwoorli Captain Ilmpus--"
That's me- said rough looking man
GIVE il here
lie wasn't much after the idea OF
captain; bat. as ii could do no harm, |
gave him the letter. lie read it, and
handed il to the captain, leader Of the
band, who read it also.
"irs, that's all squai enough said
the latter; "bui the YisiIanles out here
don't valley New Yolkers. and dont
work according TO New York laws"
"Nor they don't want no New York
money said voice from the rear.
An asserting murmur indorscd this
sentiment. and ! Ielt things were
looking very black Tor our hosts. They
were evidently OF The same opini on. Tor
Joe smiled sadly. and said at ain'l oil
no use. squire we're insi rs much oblig.
ed though. | wouldn't say no more. OF
you'll may be get into trouble yourself
ltthinss is ready. I'm ready he contiu.
uej, turning TO the leader.
"Well, we shan't keep you waiting
long. Joe Blakely." responded the latter;
Il hear the young men a.coming back
they have been choosing tree.
With horror, | exclaimed: II never
dreamt of such cold blooded work as this!
Look here. captain; the only reason !
don't offer money is, because ] believe
should do more harm than good by IL
but il you hang these men. yon will send
me away with the feeling that have
their blood on my head. Tor they expected
your visit. and believe that. but for my
presence, they would have made their
escape tonight. lfyou won't listen 10
ylhing else, you migat think Of that.
| was pleased to see that my words
m lde some imp essiop, for instead OF
me in his calm, cruel sly
The captain turned to his gang. and
low but earnest discussion took place
At last he turned round. and, 10 q very
stern voice, quite different 10 the one in
which he had previously spoken, said:
Hear me, stranger! The vigiantes are
sorry for your position, and respect your
feelin's; but this is their decision. and
warn you that if you question it by
single word, you will ruin the man you
most seek to help. Joe B!akely. you are
considered by this honorable court as
the best of the two. but you're very bad
for all that. Your life is spared on con.
dition you hev cleared ont from here in
six hours, and are not found within 3
hundred miles of here ever after. OF
course We give you time to go the Jour-
ney. Phil Maril. we know you are u
and q treachereus one-you
die! These is the sentence. Boys! string
up Phil Mirll. II you like to see justice
done in these western parts. stranger,
come with US; il not. goodbye"
turned deathly sick as the procession
left the shanty. Joe aud | being its only
occupants. One man, however, turned
back, and said 80 squire! you must
excuse my neglect But | am Captain |