The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1882-01-07

puOlo-tUOSt lttdl WllUtSsts- lhiU Nslut.
He was then fastened TO a tree. The
place Of execution had been well chosen.
1t was a low point jutting out into tho
river, just above the rapids, Tho cur
rent was running swiftly, swollen by
the melting SHOWS and the tremendous
rain, which was still descending in tor
rents. From this point the river do
scended rapidly. Higher up, but then
obscmed 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-
vides- IL becomes narrower, and pass
ing on the right side over a 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 q
great extent, and on that side the water
huITies down rapid at q steep angle,
! and at the bottom meets deep water,
which drives in 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-
oner stood with hands clasped as one of
his guardians was making preparations,
and the other stood ready 10 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 his opportunity.
With swift sweep of his right hand
he severed with the concealed knife
therope at his wrist, and with des-
perae backward spring he threw him
self into the eddying, boiling river.
The heavy splash was the first init
nation that the other men had of the
| MeXican's escape and, with revolver
ready, one waited till tie swimmer
should reappear. He rose, and struck
out boldly for the opposite shore. The
man raised the pistol, when his COM
panion stayed his arm.
Give him a chance, Bob" he said.
''You or me may want a good turn
some day; and, besides, | don't b'lieve
he lifted them animals. Soft Smith 5
an idiit"
"Well, mebbe yer right" replied the
other, as he returned his pistol. Poor
chap" he added, with a touch of feel
ing to which he had long been a strang-
er Poor chap! the fall will save us
the job anyhow"
"lIes gone" replied the other. HE
can't Git over, eh?N
"You bctn' exclaimed his compan-
ion. "Ile's right enough, l 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 a glance at
the ridge Of rocks that fringed the rap
id leading TO the fall of a sheer hum
bred 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 10 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 lastP
The men clasped hands in their
strong excitement, and by simultanc-
Gus impulse cheered the swimmer on.
The poor wretch heard it. Itgave him
COURAGE One minute more and he
would be clear; with renewed energy
he strove, and with n despairing effort
clutched the rock. His legs swung for
a second into the milky mass of water
above the cataract Could he bear the
strain? A cheer from shore; mighty
effort he swung himself over, and
with Il lons, sweeping stroke dashed
down the rapids and disappeared.
Tire men turned away, breathing
more freely, and returned as hastily as
possible TO camp 10 report. The storm
still continued; the river had run up
the creek, and it was nigh,fall ere, wet
TO the skin aud chilled TO the bones,
they gained the saloon. Here all was
confusion; twenty tongues speaking at
once, and all coudemDing soft Smith, "
| The Judge was present, and as the
two men entered he said, T'm kinder
sorry we hanged that Mexican. We've
done him an injury, boys, Pm afeard."
"Save trouble in the end, mebbe,"
said another. But the judge shook biz
head.
whats the matterP" inquired thu
late comers
"Why, Soft Smiths fool. He'l
found his beasts safe at home, wher,
they went o themselves, having broke
halter. The tracks was the Mexican
tracks, but only TO his own location
We've done that man wrong, and I'm
ready TO APOLOGIZE; ! can't say fairer
Here's his healthW
a voice from the doorway replied, :"
drink TO tbat!' and as all eyes wer,
turned in the direction of the sound, o
ragged. half-naked form, the limb
bruised and bleeding from deep scratch
es walked up to the bar. Terror 81
upon every countenance. The visito
was the Mexican.
Didn't ye-didn't ye hang himp'