The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-08-22

ike INC rattilnS Voileys OF muSketry.
Meanwhile the rain came down in
slanting ines,driving against the youna
mans face with Il force which nearly
stitled him.
The violence of the gale increased
every moment. the streams and rivulets
in the travellers pathway swelling to
torrents.
On came the latter. rushing along
with a force which were near throwing
the sailor off his feet. Finally the
waters increased to such a degree that
Bernard. to save himself from being
overwhelmed by them, sought refuge
in n deserted hut halfway up the
mountain side.
In the hut there was a pile of logs,
behind which, at this moment, crouch
ell q slender form, drcnched and SILVER
ing with the wet.
1t was William the youth whom the
captain had saved OH a former oc-
c%asion, and who, on this day had also
followed him. reaching, by Il circuit
Gus route, the hut before Bernard. who.
he thought likely, owing to the direct
ion of his steps, would there seek
refuge.
During all this time William had re-
manned crouchcd behind the pile of
logs, evidently fearing the captains
displcasure should he make himself
known.
Bernard had not proceeded a rwhen
he discovered that he could go no
farther, the water filling the hollows
and other spaces in the ground so as to
prevent his progress.
He returned Il the hut. William,
who was now obliged to crouch in
some shrubhery 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 a cloud, revealed enough of
these pcrsonages for him to perceive
that they were m~ountaineers.
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
q"i.e well, heard one of them says:
II tell you he is here tonight. for l
saw him Mt shutdown start on his re-
turn. aud l 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
| could make out, he was a small.
slender man."
Enough. If we only overtakc him,
we may avcnge our imprisoned com
rades."
LAY, we will hang him to the tallcst
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 we'll that their conversation re-
ferred to Captain Warren.
He hurried noisclessly 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 Il point within a
few feet of the robbers, when he sud-
denly rose, half turning, rs if about
beating n retreat.
The outlaws. with fierce cries,
bounced upon him. They gathered
round him, brandishing their knives.
their fierce eyes cleaning like fire IN
the moonlight.
You are II prisoner. Your name
at once?n
Captain Warren" answered the
youth. pale but firm.
He folded his arms rs he spoke. and
stood with an untiinching air, although
a close observer might have noticed q
slight tremor of the limbs.
Courses upon you!" howlcd robber,
advancing and pressing the point OF
his knife against the youths heart.
Away with him!" shouted another
of the robbers.
He was %thcreupon hurried off TO the
hills.
Now, then. if you have prayers tc
say, say them at oncc!n' shouted the
leader of the band. I'VE intend t
hang you to this tree''-pointing to ;
, tree beneath which the group hat
halted.
The lurid light of a torch was now
throwing a wild glare upon the scene
The savage mountaineers leaning upol
; rifle and club. looked like demons hold
ing revel by the light of internal fires
William was dragged to the foot o
the tree the moment he had said Il shor
prayer.
II have a request to make" said lii
youth, as lie took a small Notebook
t from his pocket and tore off n 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 thu
robbers than otherwise.
''yYe intended to send word to you
rascally officers of your execution,
said the leader of the band.
! NAY, that is not all. l have NOR
I than Il mere statement Of my death tt
| make"
g You will let us read the note ate
YOU write it?"
, Yes, on condition that you will no
3 read it until after my DEATH"
agreed; We have no objections t.
that" shouted several, simultaneously
. The youth wrote q few lines. Thel
he rose.
perhaps we had better read the not
t now" said one of the robbers.
Yes, yes" cried several of his com
panions.
They attempted to snatch the not
from the writer's grasp.
e my last wish is defeated" erie
William. well let it be So"
!. And he flung the paper to the wind;
The gale catching it, carried it ia
}, away.
a The robbers dcspaired of finding
l. at least at night.
d Hang him at once!" was now tn
o cry.
d They surrounded him. uttcring lierc
cries, and making wild gestures.
One of them had meanwhile PR
cured a rope, which he now secure
o about Williams neck.
le The other end of the rope was the
thrown over Il high branch of the tree
to be seized by several of the band.
d "Haui!n shouted the leader.
y The mon hauled, and William swun