The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-08-27

Gus route, the hut before Bernard, who
he thought likely, owing to the direct
ion of his steps, would there seel
refuge.
During all this time William had re-
mained crouched behind the pile o
logs, evidently fearing the captain!
displeasure should he make himsel
known.
Bernard had not proceeded far when
he discovered that he could 90 nc
farther, the water filling the hollows
and other spaces in the ground so as tt
prevent his progress.
He returned to the hut. William
who was now obliged to crouch in
some shrubbery to hide himself from
the captains view, thus remained un.
til the young man had gained the hut,
when he started to follow. He had not
walked more than ten steps when he
noticed a party of men approaching.
The moon having now emerged from
behind cloud, revealed enough Of
these personages for him to perceive
that they were mountaineers.
They had long boards and high
boots; some of them carried carbines
slung to their backs, while others were
provided with long knives
The youth, who understood Spanish
quite well, heard one of them say:
II tell you he is here tonight. for
saw him at sundown start on his re-
turn, and | know he could not have
gone far in the present condition of the
roads,
You would know him, if you saw
him, again, l suppose?"
II am not sure of that. He was down
among the trees, so that l could not
see him very distinctly, but, as well as
l could make out, he was small,
slender man."
Enough. If we only overtake him,
we may avenge our imprisoned COM
rades."
'.Ay, we will hang him to the tallest
tree that grows upon the hill"
'.His vessel will never leave this port
with him for her captain"
Thus spoke the robbers, and William
knew well that their conversation re-
ferred to Captain Warren.
He hurried noiselessly toward them,
keeping in the shadow of the shrub
berry, that they might not see him until
he should come close upon them.
He had heard enough to show him
that they had mistaken himself for the
captain, and he seemed anxious to
carry out the deception.
Finally, he gained a point within a
few feet of the robbers, when he sud-
denly rose, half turning, as. if about
beating retreat.
The outlaws, with fierce cries,
l. L
round him, brandishing their knives,
their fierce eyes cleaning like fire IN
the moonlight.
'4ou are our prisoner. Your name
at onceP"
Captain Warren" answered the
youth, pale but firm.
He folded his arms as he spoke, and
stood with an unf1inching air. although
close observer might have noticed .
slight tremor of the limbs.
Courses upon you!" howled a robber,
advancing and pressing the point of
his knife against the youths heart.
''Away with him!" shouted another
of the robbers.
He was thereupon hurried off to the
hills.
Now, then. if you have prayers tc
say, say them at once!" shouted the
leader of the band. I'VE intend tc
hang you to this tree"-pointing to 8
tree beneath which the group had
halted.
The lurid light of torch was now
throwing wild glare upon the scene.
The savage mountaineers leaning upon
rifle and club, looked like demons hold
ing revel by the light of Internal fires.
William was dragged to the foot of
the tree the moment he had said short
prayer.
Il have a request to make" said the
youth, as he took a small notebook
from his pocket and tore off a leaf,
(which is that you will let me write
few words, and that after my death,
you will send the note to my vessel"
The idea seemed to rather please the
robbers than otherwise.
I'VE intended to send word to your
rascally officers of your execution"
said the leader of the band.
NAY, that is not all. l have more
than mere statement of my death to
make.n
You will let us read the note after
you write it?'
Yes, on condition that you will not
read it until after my DEATH"
agreed; we have no objections to
that, shouted several, simultaneously.
The youth wrote a few lines. Then
he rose.
Perhaps we had better read the note
now," said one of the robbers.
Eyes, yes," cried several of his COM
panions.
They attempted to snatch the note
from the writer's grasp.
MY last wish is defeated" cried
William. ''Well, let it be So"
And he flung the paper to the winds.
The gale catching it, carried it far
away.
The robbers despaired of finding it
at least at night
Hang him at oncew was now the
cry.
They surrounded him, uttering fierce
cries, and making wild gestures.
One of them had meanwhile pro-
cured rope, which he now secured
about Williams neck.
The other end of the rope was then
thrown over high branch of the tree,
to be seized by several of the band.
"Haulr' shouted the leader.
The men hauled, and William swung
from the tree.
AT the same moment. strange rum
bling noise was heard, a meteor-like
flash was seen.
''An earthquakeT' shouted the out
laws in chorus.
The mountain rocked and swayed.
The outlaws rushed from the spot, to
seek refuge in the lower land, where
there was not so much danger.
The shocks of the earthquake lasted
n full hour. Rocks were dislodged
and went rolling along with the din of
crashing through the shrub
berry and into the gurgling waters far
below, while many trees were torn up
from their roots, to be sent trembling
down.
In the morning Bernard, who, un.
by the shocks had remained
all night in his hut, rose to depart for
the town. Ruin greeted his sight on
every hand. Finally he caught sight
of paper fast to twig. He seized
it and perused its contents, which were
as follows:
DEAREST BERNARD:-He who followed you
Saa nc William Marvel WAS none other than