Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-11-10

ldTOlI, YET! asked JACK.
mo" Charlie replied; Il though it
would not be best to do SO until / had
interviewed the Sheriff. A great deal
depends upon him, you know. Should
[ succeed IN managing him as I wish [
shall then tell Harold what / mean do
ing for him.
Eere the two friends shook hands
warmly and separated.
Charley Immediately set out on his
search for the Sheriff. This individual
was an easy-going fellow, always pecu-
niarily embarrassed and always ready
to take drink when an opportunity
offered. Ever since sentence was pro-
nounoed ON Harold Vincent, and it be-
came plain that it would soon be his
painful duty to place the moose about
an old friends neck and spring the gall
lows trap, ne had been very much de-
pressed, and had kept his room almost
continually. Thither Charley went,
aud was admitted by the unhappy Off
cial himself
+ "Gooe afternoon, Sheriff" said Law
renee; "you don't seem to be yourself
of late. What's the matter? Approach
ing duties trouble you, hey2"
"Well, to tell the truth, said the Off
cial, CT do dread what's coming
awfully. wish it was over"
Well" replied Charley, cit won't
help you any to sit around in close
room all day; what dye say to taking a
walk around to Pendegrast's and trying
some of his fresh lager p
"Well, don't mind" said the
Sheriff, taking his hat; 81 believe a
glass or two of lager would do me
good.
The two were soon on the street and
pointed. for Pendegfast.s. Arriving
there, Charley was gratified at finding
the place quite deserted. Seating them
selves at the remotest table they leisure
~ enjoyed a couple of glasses of lager,
which improved the Sheriff's spirits
wonderfully.
Sheriff." said Charley, after little,
''I have always been friend to you,
and if you cornplJ with what I am
about to ask, I will be still greater
one. I wish you to fix the cord with
which you hang Harold Vincent so
that he shall break it when the trap
falls"
"Wny, Charley, are Won crazy p said
the official. "Do you wish to pro-
long your friends sufferings2 Why do
you wish the rope to break2 Do you
contemplate rescuea"
cit will not prolong his sufferings,"
replied Lawrence, coolIy. "The rope
must be weakened so much by some
means that very trifing resistance
will bxeak it. Allow Harold Vincent to
fall to the ground once, and then you
can select perfect rope and hang your
victim efecsually. I promise you that
there will be no attempt made at res
cue In the court yard. There is no dis
turbance meditated whatever. My re-
quest is singular one, but / will
explain my motive after the execution
takes place. Your compliance can in
no way damage you-ropes frequently
break, you know. Promise me faith
fully that you will do what I have
asked for, and you shall receive $500 on
the evening of the day of execution"
The sheriff wavered.
'The request you make is singular
one, he said, shut, as you say, the
fact of the ropes breaking cannot dam
age me. I ana awfully pushed for the
money"
"You have simply to weaken q rope
and allow Harold to descend to the
ground" interrupted Lawrence, "and
$500 Will be your reward-$500 paid
you promptly when all is over"
sI'll do it. Here's my hand; SOL
emily promise to do what you wish,
said the sheriff.
every WE'LL" said Lawrence.
"Where will the gallows be erected, do
you know yet ?"
"Near the northeast corner of the
court yard-sane place were Dunkirk
was hung fifteen years ago. We will
put it up there this tine, but somewhat
nearer the fence, so az to obstruct the
view from the roof of the vacant house
of McArdle's. That's the only chance
for sight9'
"Just So" mused Charley. "Well,
I must be going-I have an engage
ment" And directing the landlord to
replenish the Sheriff's glass, he went
out.
When Harold Vincent was enlighten-
ed by Charley as to what was to be at
ampted in mis- behalf he was thunder
uck.
Your plan will fail at the last, I
he said, mournfully. Brighten
after little, however, he con-
Sc but I do wrong to discourage
brave friend. Depend upon
the critical moment I shall
to act. For the sake of those
: to me, rather than for my
ne plan may succeed"
d weeks intervening be-
on which the doomed
his sentence and the
his execution passed
morning of the 25th
bright, but on the
the peaceful town
,uds of sorrow at
adful situation.
ID sentence of
conversation at
and sad-faced
the streets
about to