The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1875-12-10

sheriff this afternoon. The undel
taking is a desperate one, Jack, bl
perseverance, may give us success
God grant that il may be sol"
"Have you intimated our schem
TO Harold yetg" asked Jack.
"No, OhaEliersplied. ''Ithough
il would not be beHt 10 do no until
had interviewed the sheriG. A greI
deal depends upon him, you know
Should ] succeed in managing hiI
as / wish, ] shall then tell Harol
what / mean doing for him."
Here the two friends shook hand
warmly and separated.
Charley Immediately set out on hi
search for the sheriff. The individu
al was an easy going fellow, Away
pecuniarly embarrassed, always read
to take q drink when an opportunit
offered. But since sentence wa
pronounced upon Harold Vincent
and II became plain thatit woul,
soon be his painful duty TO place th
moose about an old friends neck AMI
spring the gallows trap, he had beei
very much depressed, and had kep
his room almost constantly. Thithe
Charley went and was admitted b,
the unhappy official himself.
Good afternoon, Hhoriff," sale
Lawrence. "You don't seem 10 b,
yourself Of late. What's the mattor
approaching duties trouble you
heyY
"Well, to toll the truth, said th,
aheriff, IT do dread what's coming
awfully. / wish it was over"
"Well," replied Charley. III
won't help the matter any TO sil
around all day in a close room, whai
do you say TO taking q walk around
to Pendegrast's and trying some Of
his fresh beer2"
"Why / don't mind" said the
sheriff, taking his hat; ~ believe O
glass or two Of lager would do me
good"
The two were soon on their way to
Pendegrast's. Arriving there Char
10y was gratifed at finding the place
quite deserted, and seating them
selves at the remotest table they
leisurely enjoyed o couple Of glasses
OF lager, which improved the sheriffs
spirits wonderfully.
Sheriff." said Charley, after a
little, II have got q peculiar request
to mako Of you. / have always been
c friond to you, and if you comply
with what / am about to ask, ] will
be greater one. wish you to fix
the cord with which you hang Har-
lod Vincent 80 that he shall break it
when tho trap falls"
"Why Oharleyi are you crAzyP"
said the official. "Do you wish TO
prolong your friand's mfferinRap
Why do you wish the rope 10 break,
Do you contemplate rescuoY'
'It will not prolong his sufeFings,"
replied Lawrence cOolly. "The rope
must DO weakened 30 much by some
means that q very trihing resistance
will break it. Allow Harold TO fall
to tho ground once, and then you
can got perfect rope and hang your
victim e6ectually. / promise thore
will be no attempt made at q rescue
in the court yard. There is no dis
turbance meditatsd whatever. Ny
request il singular one, but l will
explain my motive after the execution
takes place. Your compliance can
in no way damage you-ropes fre-
quontly break, you know. Promise
me faithfully that you will do what ]
have asked you, and you shall ro-
ceivo five hundred dollars on the day
Of execution"
The sheriff wavered. "The request
you make is a singular one, he said;
''but as you say, the fact Of the rope
breaking cannot damage me, and /
am awfully pushed for money"
"You have simply 10 weaken the
rope and allow Harold TO descend
10 the ground" interrupted Char
Icy, and the five hundred dollars
will be your reward-fve hundred
dollars paid you promptly when all is
over"
"I'll do ii. Here's my hand, 4
Iolemnly promise 10 do what you
wish, said the sheriff.
'Very WE'LL" said Lawrence.
Where will the gallOws bO erected;
10 you know yet2F
"Near the northeast corner Of the
,ourt-yard-same place where Dun |
Iirk was hung fifteen years ago. Wei
will put II up there this time, but |
Iomewhat nearer the fence, 80 as to |
Ibstruot the yiow from that vacant
louso Of McArdle's. That's the
,nly chance for q sight"
Just 30, mused Charlie. "Wsll
must be going j have IN engage
nent." And directing the landlord
% replenish the sherifrs glass no
vent out. Ta
Whom Harold Vincent was en-
ightoned by Charley aa to what was
. be attempted in his behalf, he was
"Your plan will fail at the last, /
ear" no said monrniully, thon
frightening up o little he continued.
Bat do wrong to discourage you,
ny bravo friend. Depend upon it,
hat at the critical moment / shall
ot be slow to act. For the sake Of
hose near and dear TO me, rather
han my own, ! hope the plan may
ucced."
The two dread weeks intervening
otween the day on which the doomed
lan had received his sentence and
hc time appointed for his execution.
asaed rapidly away. Tho morning
tho 25th dawnea clear and bright,
ut on the heads Of hunreds in the
eaceful town Of Il Law dark
loudB Of e0FroW nt Harold Vincantla