The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-07-12
LIT WILL SOON BE OVER
" It will soon be over. "

sounds of hammer echoed through the building. They were cutting the man. acles from the negro's legs. Yes, il would soon be over. In the jail-yard were expectant faces, and at the gate, a wild crowd surged and loudly cried for admission to the scene of sudden death. Men charged with murder peered through the grating at the work going forward in the corridor, and an old crazy negro, for whom no room could. be found in the asylum, beat his bare breas, and de- clared that he was Moses preparing to divide the Red sea. The prison black smith ceased hammering, and examin- ing tn. edge of his cold chisel." threw the tool aside and selected another one from basket.
 Hot work" he remarked, wiping his reeking brow. Pu, your foot little farther over this way. That'll do. These things was put on here 10 stay" he con- tinued with satished air, glancing at the sheriff, as though he expected com pliment for the work of securely ironing the prisoner. Again the sharp sounds Of the hammer rang through the Jail. That ones of. Gimmy your other foot The doomed man mechanically obeyed. He held up bis head, in seem- ing oblivion of the clang and chatter at his feet. He had taken his thoughts from his body and had placed them on his soul. He had given up all hope. His lawyer had ust told him that the governor had refused to interfere with the laws enforcement The heavy irons feil 10 the floor, and with assistance he arose, but was unable to stand without support.
 :" Man ken kill de body, but de Lawd alone ken kill de soul," he said in falter- ing voice.
 ''You is liar " exclaimed ;he crazy man. You know yer stold de shoat"
 Keep quiet there," demanded the sheriff
 Go ter de debil an eat baled hay, hup tit hup,' and lifting the corners of his blanket, the demen,ed creature danced around the cell. Hog in de DO; an greens in de pan, git in de kitchen ez fas' e yer can."
 A preacher, who had from time to time. offered spiritual consolation to the mur- derer, kneeled and said, "let us pray. The victim sank 10 the floor and placed his forehead on the bench, while his fingers, with involuntary motion, sought and twisted each other.
 Meroiful Father" the preacher began, " we have met here on this most solemn of all human occasions, to offer the little consolation in our power to-"
 De feller whut hooked de midlin' O meat" came from the crazy mans cell.
 "A poor mortal, who, ere many more minutes elapse, will be tossing on the sea of eternity"
 "Ole Moses hit de Red sea wid his hshin' pole an Pharaoh los de finch pin rum out his troubled soul" sang the orazy man.
 And we commend him to the mercy of Savior's blood. Amen"
 The murderer was assisted to his feet. The sheriff's assistants began to pinion the arms of the wretch. His knees smote together, and his thick, purple lips kept up continual whisper of "Lawd have massy-Lawd, have massy."
 ." It will soon be over," said the deputy sheriff, adjusting a knot. "You won't feel it. It's the thought of it more than anything else. When you stand on the trap, hold your head little on one side and let your neck be timber"
 The murderer groaned and replied "I will yes, sir, will. forgive ebery body. never wuz treated better den sence l'se been in dis jail. hopes ter meet yer all in better worP den dis"
 The sheriff looked a, his watch. Open the door," he commanded. Atthe sound of the bolt, the hum of the voices without, ceased. The victim walked with erect head and with hands clasped.
 Hole on dar," yelled the crazy man. The sheriff looked back, and the mur- derer, excitedly turned and looked to- ward the gate in tremulous, half-hoped expectancy of seeing messenger from the governor. "Only the erazy man. Go ahead" said the sheriff. The fickering light went out of the condemned mans eyes, and, with stare which saw nothing, he moved forward with his executioners.
 Hole on dar, tell yer. Whut yer leadin' dat man roun' dat way fur9 He ain no mule."
 "They arc going to hang him." said some one who stood near the door.