San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1890-03-13
NUMBE

"But il you miss your way" returned
the other, "you will lose instead Of gain
| time"
"Perhaps one Of these gentlemen ]
said, turning to IA group Of three who had
been listening attentively, "will agree to
guide me. am willing to pay literally
for the service" 3I
The three conferred apart briefly.
"Im summoned as witness myself"
said one, "but hadn't intended startin'
Just yet. However, IL you're in hurry,
don't mind keepin' you company"
l thanked him for his friendly offer,
and we were soon in our saddles.
"There's shorter cut than goin' by tho
road," said my companion, when we were
clear of the settlement.
/ gave myself to his guidance, and he
led the way into the woods, which were
open enough to be ridden through with
out difficulty.
We had gone but mile or two, when,
"Hush" the man whispered.
A sound of galloping behind was plain
ly audible.
"Indians! We must ride for our lives!"
said my comrade, in the same low whis-
per. "Put your horse to his best, and
keep straight ahead, while l bring up
the rear and look out for the rascals."
Clapping spurs to my horse, on whose
speed and spirit i knew l could safely
count, was soon considerably in adj
vance of my companion. There was no
moon, but the starlight enabled me to
avoid the trees, and needless of the
scratches from the thick underground
dashed on.
Suddenly, with frightened snort, my
horse reared till he stood almost upright.
The quickness of the motion threw me
from his back. Then losing his balance,
the terrified animal, with q shrek more
piercing than human voice ever uttered,
plunged headlong over the precipice
which the foliage had concealed, and
went crashing down upon the rocks far
below.
That I was the victim of treachery was
the first thought that flashed upon me;
and the next was that the safety of my
mics that it had already been destroyed.
Quietly as possible crept beneath the
shelter of thicket and lay perfectly
still. Before long / heard voices, and
soon light was struck; and with torch
of dried bark, which one of them held, I
distinguished the features of the three
men seen at the inn, one of whom had
volunteered to;be my guide. They found
the tracks of my horse where he had
gone over the brink, and gave q laugh
of satisfaction.
"Now, Stover must hang beyond
doubt" said one, "and we may breathe
freely; for had his innocence been proved
the suspicion more than once whispered
against ourselves would have been re-
vived, and who knows what might have
happened?"
Then they discussed among themselves
the sickening details of the murder, Of
which they had been the real authors,
and chuckled over the money they had
gotten by it.
At last they went away, and as soon as
it was safe 1 left my hiding place, and
after several hours wandering came
upon settlers cabin. Arousing the pro-
prietor, made known my circumstances.
He was a frank, honest fellow, disposed
to give every assistance; and, saddling
couple Of horses, we started at daylight
for the seat of justice.
The last witness had given his testi-
mony when I entered. Poor John Stover
had nothing to offer but his steady as
sertion of his innocence, and his unsup-
ported explanation of his possession of
the horse and money.
care there any witnesses for the de-
fense?" the judge inquired.
"Thcre is one," answered, at the end
Of q painful pause.
The prosecutor and the prisoners coun-
sci both looked surprised.
"Does any one know this gentlemany'
asked the former.
lido, said the judge, in whom recog-
nized an old college friend and classmate.
Come forward, Mr.. Wythe."
My testimony soon released the pris-
Dner from his peril, and put in his place
he real criminals, who, in addition to
.he murder actually lying at their door,
lad come 80 near having another to an
'wer for.-True Flag.