The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1878-06-07


soon after retired, but not to sleep
For, with the narrowing uncertainty
that afflicted my mind, the mourning
throng ceased not their lamentations
and the sleepy god visited not my couch
during the live-long night.
Tabeau arose early, and, approaching
me, stated that the authorities had d.
rected him to bring me into their pres.
ence early in the day, when they would
determine at once what was to be my
fate. And, to reassure me somewhat,
he said that he had spent the whole
night interceding for my life, and
thought he had convinced some OF the
principal men of my innocence, aud, in
fact, had elected promise that my life
should be spared, provided another vic
tim could be procured for the excited
popuiace to safe their vengeance upon.
He then suggested that Boggs, being a
demented creature, and past the merid-
ian Of life, would be cheated but little
were he made the seape-goat of my al
legged transgressiOns, while it seemed a
great pity to sacrifice me, so young, so
intelligent, aud so fluent in the French
language.
Now" said he, "Only consent,
and shall be most happy, and the saw
ages, l assure you, will be fully salts
fed; otherwise, the united efforts of
myself and daughters will, l greatly
fear, prove inefficient in saving you
from the bowling mob"
Not a cheering prospect, certainly,
but my sense Of honor revolted at the
unjust proposition, and I promptly and
Indignantly rejected ii, aud proclaimed
myself ready to meet any fate the cow
ardly ingrates should decree. accord
ingly accompanied him into the pres
ence Of the swarthy dignitaries, while
my mind was filed with anxiety and
uncertainty. expected to undergo an
arbitrary trial where | could have no
friendly counsel, could bring no wit
nesses, offer no proofs nor arguments to
the blOod-thirsty wretehes that cOnsti-
tuted the tribunal, and felt that a man
need not to have been native Of Boston
to correctly "guess" the issue, but was
at fault again. For no sooner had /
reached the council lodge than l was
informed that was pardoned for
Tabeau's sake, but that BOggs must
suffer immediate death in my stead.
Tumultuous feelings crowded my mind
feelings Of indignation and the deep
est hatred for the vile wretches who
could think of a deed so cowardly and
unjust-hut what could do? Nothing
A fearful and terrible thing it is to see a
man die, one who deserves it to satisfy
broken law, but how much more ter.
rible to see an innocent man meet such
fate to crafty the vengeful hate oI
thirst for blood of an excited mob, and
you utterly pOwerless to aid See pOol
BOggs, then, as he is led innOcently tC
the stake with jeering rabble at bis
side. After he is securely bound to the
stake 1 take my stand at his side, hop
| ing in some way yet to avert his ter
rible doom. I appeal to their sense
Of honor in vain, and am only answered
by louder demoniae laughs and deep.
uttered imprecatiOns. / scan the thrOne
lanxiously for a PocahOntas to rush tc
the rescue, but in vain. All hearts are
as stone, and "in them pity finds nc
/ seat" But what means that long line
Of horsemen slowly approaching with
glittering weapons flashing in the sun.
shine, and what that parti-colored ban,
ner that floats so proudly out over all !
Joy As its gaudy folds expand to kis,
the gentle breeze, 1 recognize the glori
Gus ensign Of my county, the signlfican
emblem Of freedom, revered at home
respected wherever civilization finds
foothold, and loved wherever liberty l.
priced. All never did that gloriou
flag appear so grandly beautiful before
The sight Of il inspired my breast will
daring deeds. l snatch the bandag
from the poor mans eyes, cut asunde
the thongs that bind him, and, as h
gazes with wonder aud thankfulnes
upon the jOy-inspiring pageant, I def
antly point his prosecutors to the sd
vancing column of our country men
sworn to avenge every insult offered t
any one. however humble, who cal
rightfully shelter himself beneath tina
flag
TO be continued