Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-01-28

i Will WHICH Sou AV'iS5 li.1Aoi' iANS"'
SO that he shall break it when the
trap falls
"Why, Charlie are you crazy?"
said the officer. "Do you wish to pro-
long your friends suffering? Why do
you wish the rope to break? Do you
contemplate a rescue ?"
1t will not prolong his sufferings
replied Lawrence cody. "rhe rope
must be weakened so much by some
means that a very triAing resistance
will break it. Allow Harold Vim
cent fall to the ground once, and then
you can select Il second rope and You
can select a perfect rope and hang
your victim elFectually. promise
YOU that there will be no attempt
made at rescue in the court yard
There is no disturbance meditsted
whatever. My request is a singular
one, but I will explain my motive af
ter the execution takes place. Your
compliance can in no way damage
you-lopes frequently break, you
know. Promise me faithfully to do
what | have asked YOU, and you shall
receive five hundred dollars on the
evening of the dly Of the execution. y
The Sheriff wavercd. "IEe re-
quest you make is a singular one, lie
said, "but as YOU say, the TACT OF the
ropes breaking cannot damage Inc. |
am awiulIy pushed for money"
"Iou have simply to weaken the
rope and allow Harold to descend to
the ground" interrupted Lawrence
"and five hundred dollars will be
your reward-tive hundred dollars
paid you promptly when all is over.
"I'll do it. Here's my hand. |
solemnly promise to do what you
wish, SAID the Sheriff.
VERY well,' said Lawrence
Where will the gallows be erected, do
you know yet?
NEAR the northeast corner Of tue
court yard-same place Dunkick was
hung fifteen years ago. We will put
it up there this time, but somewhat
nearer the fence, SO as to obstruct the
view from the roof Of the vacant
house of McArlle's. That's the only
chance for Il sight.
"Just 50, mused Charlie. "Well
| must be going; have an engage
ment, and directing the landlord to
replanish the SheriA's glass he went
out.
When Harold Vincent was en-
ligL tened by CT arlie as TO what was
to be attempted in his behalf, he was
thund
"Your plan will fail at the last, |
fear, he SAID mournfuIly. Brighten
ing up after little however he con-
tinued," "but | do wrong to discour-
age you, ny brave friend. Depend
upon it, at the critical moment shall
not be slow to act. For the sake Of
those near and dear to me, rather
than for my own, hope the plan may
succeed.
The two dreaded weeks interven-
ing between the day on which the
doomed man had received his SEN
tcnce and the time appointed for his
execution passed rapidly away. The
morning of the 25th dawned clear,
and bright, hut on the hearts of hun
dred in the peaceful town OF L,
Law dark clouds cf sorrow at Harold
Vincents dreadful situation. The
soon to be executed sentence of death
was the subject Of conversation at
every breakfast, and sadfaced people
gathered in knots on the streets to
discuss the awful scene about to
transpire.
Aside from the newspaper men of
the place, the town officials, and a
specially appointed police force, were
admitted into the courtyard inclosure
and at half-past ten Harold Vincent
was led to the scaifold.
He assembled the steps brislly, and
took his place on the trap, when his
arms were pinionel and his collar un-
buttoned and thrown back to facili-
tate the cruel work of the moose that
dangled above him. The minister
made touching prayer, bade the
doomed man farewell, and stepped
back. Had he anything to say
NoiL;nr, nycent that hp was innocent.