The daily Cairo bulletin., 1882-01-07


He was then fastened to tree. The
place of execution had been well chosen.
1t was II low point juIting out into the
river, just above the rapids. The cur
rent was running swiftly, swollen by
tue melting SHOWS and the tremendous
rain, which was still descending in tor
rents. From this point the river de-
scended rapidly. Higher up, but then
obscured by the thickly-falling rain and
mist, was high ridge, which projected
across the river, and formed sort of
bowl-like enclosure, in it the centre of
which was (and is) small wooden
island. Below this spot the river di-
yides 1t becomes narrower, and pass
ing on the right side over small rocky
breakwater, or natural barrier, it takes
a tremendous leap sheer one hundred
feet over the rock, spreading out
from the base for many feet in its de-
scent On the left side of the island
the stream has worn away the rock to a
great extent, and on that side the water
hurries down a rapid at steep angle,
and at the bottom meets deep water,
which drives in a swift current over to
the right shore, to strip of beach on
low ground--a watering station for ami
mails.
The men charged with the execution
had well chosen the place. The pris-
oncr stood with hands clasped as one of
his guardians was making preparations,
and the other stood ready to fire should
the prisoner attempt to escape. One
was adjusting the cord upon neigh
boring tree, underneath which the
mule had been already led, when an
exclamation from him made the other
guardian turn his head. The quick
eyed Mexican seized bis opportunity.
With a swift sweep of his right hand
he severed with the concealed knife
the rope at his wrist, and with a des-
perate backward spring he threw him
self into the eddying, boiling river.
The heavy splash was the first inti-
nation that the other men had of the
Mexican escape; and, with revolver
ready, one waited till the swimmer
should reappear He rose, and struck
ont boldly for the opposite shore. The
man raised the pistol, when his COM
panion stayed his arm.
Give him chance, Bob,h he said.
"You or me NAV want good turn
some day; and, besides. don't b. lieve
he lifted them animals. Soft Smiths
an idjit."
"WeIl, mebbe yer right" replied the
other, as he returned his pistol. "Poor
chapr' he added, with touch of feel
ing to which he had long been strang-
er. Poor chap! the fall will save us
the job, anyhow"
Hes gone" replied the other. "He
can't git over, eh?'
''You betr' exclaimed his compan-
ion. Hes right enough, do declare;
he'll git out now!"
Meantime the unfortunate fugitive
was struggling vigorously TO gain the
centre Of the stream. He was SWIM
ming strongly, hand over hand, and
every now and then he cast glance at
the ridge of rocks that fringed the rap
id leading to the fall Of sheer hun
dred feet. Could he clear this he
might be saved. He was making good
way, but ever being drawn nearer and
nearer by the resistless current TO his
destruction. The men on shore watched
his progress with feverish anxiety.
Another yard or two and he would gain
the rocky ledge which ended the fall,
and where the less dangerous rapids
began. Would he last?
The men clasped hands in their
strong excitement, and by a simultane-
Gus impulse cheered the swimmer on.
The poor wretch heard it. 1t gave him
courage. One minute more and he
would be clear; with renewed energy
he strove, and with despairing effort
clutched the rock. His legs swung for
second into the milky mass Of water
above the cataract. Could he bear the
strainP A cheer from shore; mighty
effort he swung himself over, and
with q long, sweeping stroke dashed
down the rapids and disappeared.
The men turned away, breathing
more freely, and returned as hastily as
possible to camp TO report. The storm
still continued; the river had run up
the creek, and it was nightfall ere, wet
TO the skin and chilled to the bones,
they gained the saloon. Here all was
confusion; twenty tongues speaking at
once, and all coudemning Soft Smith,"
Tho Judge was present, and as the
two men entered he said, 'I'm kinder
sorry we hanged that Mexican. We've
done him an injury, boys, I'm afeard." )"
Save trouble in the end mebbe,"
said another But the Judge shook his
head.
whats the matter?" inquired the
late comers.
"Why, Soft Smiths a fool. He's
found his beasts safe at homo, where
they went o themselves, having broke
halter. The tracks was the Mexican s
tracks, but only to his own location.
We've done that man wrong, and Pm
ready TO apologize; can't say fairer.
Here's his healthr'
A voice from the doorway replied, II
drink TO thatW and as all eyes were
turned in the direction of tho sound u
ragged. half-naked form, the limbs
bruised and bleeding from deep scratch
es walked up to the bar. Terror sat
upon every countenance. The visitor
was the Mexican.
Ill LII L -.