Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-01-29
Only Five Minutes 10 Live.

Col. Will Middlsby, who has just re-
turned from the Indian territory, relates
a startling experience. 81 had permis-
sion to traverse the territory" said the
colonel, "but soon found that the
white scoundrels who inhabit the coun-
try had no regard for it. One day, wet
and hungry, stopped at sort of pub
lie house. A company OF rough white
men had assembled in .he bar-room OF
the house. at once noticed that was
regarded with disfavor, and l was on
the eve of quitting the place when one
fellow, as rough n man as ! ever saw,
said:
"Cap'n, what's your businessH
Il am out here TO look at the conn-
try
"Hain't you looked at it?'
Yes
"'wall, what air you hangiu' roun'
fur?'
"I have right to hang around
"'What right?'
"'This, | replied, producing my
passport and presenting 1t to him.
"'rain't worth hell room, he said, AS
he coolly proceeded to tear IL up. His
companions roared with laughter. had
pistol, but what could ] do with a
dozen desperate men? Now contin-
ued the ruffian who had destroyed my
passport, we understand you pretty
we'll. You are detective, an hain't
come here after no good, nuther.'
"'I am not detective
"'Do you mean to say that am
liarp
"'That's what he does, Jack' shout
ed one of his companions. In moment
was surrounded. Every man had
drawn his pistol.
"'I ought to kill you right here said
the ruffian addressed as Jack. Il ought
ent to let you live another mint
"Some one advanced aud relieved me
of my pistol.
"'Now. I'll tell you what we'll do,
said Jack. Wen just give you five
minits to live. stand right thar, now,
an DO your prayin'.'
"In vain | pleaded. The rufiians
woulG hot listen TO me.
cts jes' five minutes to twelve,
said Jack. Look up thar at the clock
an count your time, an when twelve
o'clock comes you are gone, an If you
take your eyes often il in the meantime
you are gone anyhow
AZ gazed at the clock and began 10
humble prayer. Oh, how precious
single moment Of time can be!
thought OF my home, Of my wife and
children. The desperate men stepped
behind me, could hear their suppress
ed breathing. could hear the beating
of my own heart. Five minutes TO live
Ii had already seemed an age. Would
the time never come? Cold perspiratioh
rolled down my face and almost blinded
my eyes. | could but indistinctly see
the face of the clock, but | knew that
only a minute more was left me. That
the wretches would kill me had not
doubt, but why had they chosen such
method? Then remembered mn arti-
Gle had once read descriptive Of the
delight felt by such men In seeing a
victim suffer. Death, of itself, was not
sufficient punishment. The time must
have nearly expired. My knees were
so weak that could scarcely stand.
wondered how I'D feel when the bullets
should strike me. / wondered IL i could
hear the report Of the pistols. heard
a laugh. l quickly turned and saw q
negro standing near me. The rufiian'
were gone. glanced at the clock. Five
! minutes TO twelve.
"'what are you laughing atT l de,
manded of the negro.
".At dat ole joke dem cowboys play
ed on yer. Dat ar clock amt runnin'
boss. Der gennermen tole me ter gin
yer dis pistol. Hcah it is, er haw, haw
hawv"