Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-09-12

who was once prominent candidate
for governor os Arkansas. Some time
ago ( was travelling on horseback
through a very lonely part OF the coun-
try. l was never a brave man, and
as not in the least surprised upon
discovering that / vas scared. Every
rustic of The leaves, every sudden cry
of bird startled me. l Conduit think
of anything bat robbers snd despera-
does, and shuddered as / remembered a
man who. years ago, had been found in
the wounds, m ordered 10 cold blood.
Every feature of the ghastly face came
up, and 1 turned sick when the gaping
wound 10 bis throat came up with
startling veri-similtude.
While 1 thus reflected, short turn
Of the lonely road, winding around a
thickly wooded hill, brought me almost;
lace to face with two men who seemed
10 be standing for me. Their horses
were hitched 10 a neighboring grape
vine and the suggestive manner IN
which they looked at the anima! l was
riding, sent a thrill like streak of Ice
water up my back. saw at once they
were desperate meu, and felt they
would nos hesitate 10 kill me. Flight
was cut of The question. for any such
move on my part, would, was con-
yinced, prove certain death. For the
first time in my life l resolved 10 play
the bully, and, assuming what fanciea
was an unconcerned expression, | said
! good morning.
How are you:' they replied. Going
far?'
Il don't know that it is any OF your
Business / replied. 1 don't want to
haye any trouble with you, for l have
decided 10 lead a better life. Never
again do want it said l shed The blood
of a human being
"A bad man, l reckon, said one Of
The desperadoes.
AT one time 1 could have denied
such an accusation; but as l tell you,
have resolved never to kill another
man. l hope YOU will not modest me-
Hold on, pardner !
I've got no time 10 talk
But hold on What's your name?
Pm Bill Poison, the outlaw, and the
man Of whom you have often heard. ]
have killed men for less than this, and
don't want you to cause a breaking
of my resolve
DO as you like about your re olive,
said the taller Of the desperadoes, I'd
like to give you a bit of advice. l don't
know who you are, but know you are
not Bill Poison, the robber.'
How do you knowS'
Because | am Bill Poison, aud this
is my brother.
oh, Lord y l duplicated; have
mercy on me y
Climb off that horse, Cap; l reckon
we'd better hang you right here.'
begged, but saw no mercy in thei
ewes: | prayed, but | heard no answer.
IN teach you bow 10 go around the
country committing depredations and
lying them on 10 me Fine man you
are stole this horse l reckon. John,
get that rope off my saddle. We'n
swing him up right here
oh, my friends, I've committed no
depredations. l am candidate tor
Governor Of Arkansaw, and am on my
way 10 meet an appointment at a place
OF discussion. You wouldn't hang
Governor, would you? Just think OF
what your state would lose ,
who is your cppouetP
Colonel Blacket.'
What sort of fellow Is hep
He's bad man.
Are you we'll acquainted with him p
Il never saw him, but know he's a
bad man.
He's a much better man than you
are, or at least will soon exhibit more
capacity tor executive duties than you
can possibly show. In short, he'll be
the liyeliest man pretty soon.'
They put the rope around my neck.
1 prayed in vain. [ asked the Lord 10
forgive my sins, and closed my eyes,
every moment expecting to be drawn
up.
If Ilet. you go will you promise
never again 10 use my nameT
L swear l won't. Let me live and
lIll be a better man. III do anything
for you, and when Pm elected Cover
nor III pardon you
All right; you may 60 this time
Take of the rope, john
I mounted my horse and roce away,
with fearful thankfulness and deter
mination never to tell another liie.-
Next day when l reached the place oil
discussion large crowd had gathered.
When | appr cached the people were
shoulin g with laughter. Great Alex
ander! Some one was relating my ex-
oerien:e, Showing nv way forward l
recognized ID the speaker The tall man
who had accused me of taking his name.
He was my opponest. 1 could not
face the crowd, and left as soon as
possible. The whole tbing was a joke.
! At the election was defeated by an
overwhelming majority.-Arkansa~
Traveller.
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