Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1883-10-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
What a Lie Did.
tFFom the Arkansaw Truvolcr.l

From the Arllansaw Travclcr.i
t once had an example of how
we'll it is to tell the TRUTH" said a
gentleman Who was once prominent
candidate for governor of Arkansas.
Some time ago was travelling on
horseback through il very lonely part
of the country. I was iiever n brave
man, and I was not i'll the least sur
prised upon discovering that was
scared. Every rustic of the leaves,
every sudden, cry of bird startled
me. Icouldn't think of anything but
robbers and desperadocs, and shud-
dcred rs l remembered man who,
years ago, had been found in the
woods, murdered in cold blood.
Every feature of the CHASTITY face
camc up, and turned sick when the
gaping wound in the throat rose be-
fore me with startling verisimilitudc.
" When 1 thus reflected, n short
turn of the lonely road, winding
around thickly wooded hill, brought
me almost face to face with two men
who seemed to be standing for nc.
Their horses were hitchcd to neigh
boring grapevine, and the suggestive
manner in which they looked at the
animal l was riding sent thrill like
a streak of ice-watcr up my back. /
saw at once that they were desperate
men, and felt that they would not
hesitate to kill me. Flight was out
of the question, for any such move
on my part would. 1 was convinced,
prove certain death. For the first
time in my life I resolved to play the
bully, and, assuming what I fancied
was an unconcerned expression, ]
said, Good morning.
/" 'IIow are you y they replied
Going far y
''sI don't know that it is any Of
your business, 1 replied. don't
want any trouble withyou, for have
decided to lead better life. Never
again do want it said that shed the
blood of human being
GA bad man, reckon said one
of the desperadoes.
ut one time I could not have
denied such an accusation; but, as
tell you, I have resolved never to kill
another man. 1 hope you will not
molcst me.
"'nold on, pardncr!'
I've got no time to talk.
+" But hold on! What's your
name?'
"'I'm Bill Poston, the outlaw, and
the man of who you have often heard
1 have killed men for less than tliis.
and don't want you to cause a break,
ing of my resolve
F' sDo as you like about your re,
solve,' said the taller of the despera-
docs. l don't know who you are,
but know that Jou are not Bill Pos,
ton, the robber.'
I" How do you know?'
4" Because L am Bill Post0n, dht
this Is my brother
"'Oh, LordI' supplicated; have
mercy on me!'
Climb off that horse, Cap; ]
reckon we'd better hang you right
here
~ begged, but saw no mercy IL
their eyes. 1 Iprayed, but heard nc
answer.
. 'I'll teach you how to go around
the country committing depredaticns
and laying them on to me! Fine man
you are! Stole this horse. I reckon
John, get the that rope offmy saddle
Well swing him up right here.'
"'Oh, my friends! 1 have com
mitted no depredations. am can
didate for Governor of Arkansas
and am on my way to meet an appoint
rhent at place of discussion
"'Who is your opponcnt?'
"'Colonel Blacket'
what sort of fellow is he?"
He's a bad man.
60 Are you you well acquainted Will
hin?'
I never saw him, but know tina
he's bad man.
" Hes much better man tha,
you are, or at least will soon exhibi
more capacity for executive dutie
than you can possibly show. In shor
he'll be the fiYeEiest man pretty soon.
" They put the rope around m
neck. ] prayed in vain, L asked tn
Lord to forgive me of my sinss an
closed my eyes, every moment expect
ing to be drawn up.
Is If 1 let you go will you promis
never again to use my name?'
! '' i swear won't Let me Ifv
and I'll be a better man. I'll do any
thing for y0u, and when I'm electe