The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-05-09

ago. Good old fellsr, too" One ofthe men threw the rope over . beam. The awful cord dangled before me. With admiration we read of men who have faced death on the field of battle, of men who have risked their lives to save the lives of others, but can any of us admire the poor wretch who, siyiy en- trapped, is strangled to death in the wilderness? gave to each face an eager look, but on no countenance could see light of pity.
 Gentlemen" said I, "are you going to murder me ?"
 The house shook with an uproarious laugh. The jug was passed from one to another.
 Probably you do not realize that am representing the government of the United States. If you hang me, certain death awaits you all. You cannot go so far, you cannot find place so remote"
 "That's all right" said Jack. "We know all about jestice an the United States. We've been in both sections of the country, haw, haw"
 Gentlemen, have done you no harm."
 "Sorter like the ole song O the rag man that said to the bagman-won't do you no harm," replied old Pete. "Oh, you ain't done us no harm, an we don't low that you shall. Boys, tell you what we'll do. We'll lay down an take a nap. When VIC wake up, we'll tend to the gentleman. Hand over the jug" CHAPTER III.
 In despair looked upon the men who lay on the floor. That they would hang me l had not doubt. The jug had pr~- longed my life but could not save it. 1 had never been very religious, had never been known as man who turned fre- quently to the efficacy of prayer, but in imagination clasping my hands-l could not clasp them in fact-l poured forth prayer that would have done credit to professional revivaist. don't know how long the men had slept, probably three hours, perhaps not more than three minutes, when one of them turned over and looked at me. His face did not ap- pear to be so ferocious as the faces of his companions. He propped himself upon his elbow, scanned my face closely and said:
 "The boys are putty sound asleep"
 "Yes," replied.
 "They'll give it to you when they get up. If you've got anything to say to your folks, jest say it an after you air dead I'll write it down an send it for you"
 told him that had nothing to say. There was much that could say, but would not entrust it to an outlaw and a | murderer.
 "Jest thought I'd ast you. Fellers sometimes wants to send a few words home. We strung up good lookin' teller luther week an l didn't think he ever would quit talkin'. Tuck me abou, two days to 'recolleck an write down what he had said. Blamed if we ough- tenter have one O these short ham re- porters"
 "Look here, my friend, is there no way to escape this horrible death Just think ofit. How would you like to be in my placer"
 Wouldn't like it so mighty much, let me tell you."
 "Well, then, assist me in getting away from here."
 , "Then who'd assist nae in gettin' away If the boys wuster wake up an find you gone they'd pitch onto me-"
 "lt is awful to die here alone"
 ooh, we won't let you die by yourself. We'll stay with you. We never leave a man while he is in distress"
 "My friend, what would you take to cut this rope2"
 "Pd take knife to cut it, reckon"
 e mean how much money"
 "You aint got enough money to hire me to put myself in sich danger, but let me tell you what I'll do. I'll turn you aloose, just because feel sorry for you."
 He arose, took out a knife, cut the cords that bound me, and said
 "Go down this path to the river. Tied to the bank you will find canoe. Hop in, pull around the bend and about a half mile up the stream you'll come te the government snag boat"
 Turned to thank him, but he had sunk down upon the floor and was giving a very good imitation of profound sleep. hur- ried from the house. found the canoe What if should not find the snag boat The water was very swift, and having to pull near shS shore. ! yncmentarily ex-